Bernie Sanders is the most trusted Democratic presidential candidate in the 2020 race in terms of protecting consumers’ privacy. He was also the candidate most trusted to maintain a free and open Internet. The survey from ExpressVPN and Propeller Insights found that, when it comes to protecting online data, consumers said the most trustworthy Democratic presidential candidate was:
- Bernie Sanders: 29%
- Joe Biden: 24%
- Kamala Harris: 19%
- Beto O’Rourke: 13%
- Elizabeth Warren: 12%
- Cory Booker: 9%.
In an interview with Security Baron, Harold Li, Vice President of ExpressVPN, cited Senator Sander’s opposition of the Patriots Act’s mass surveillance program and his promise of net neutrality as reasons why the survey respondents chose him as most trustworthy for both protecting online data and preserving a free and open Internet. In a discussion on Reddit, Senator Sanders wrote,
“I worry that we are moving toward an Orwellian society and this is something I will oppose as vigorously as I can.”
Related: Best VPNs of 2019
What Is A Free, Open Internet?
Although the term “free, open Internet” has been used often in this election cycle, many people aren’t aware of exactly what it means. Li told Security Baron that a free and open Internet is “one where we are not unduly restricted by governments in corporations in our ability to communicate, access and share information, and build upon the platform.” Right now, Li explained, some Internet providers can create fast speeds for some websites while slowing down others, “picking winners and losers on the Internet or even limiting your access to certain types of content”.
How Users Can Increase Online Data Privacy
Related: 2019’s Top Password Managers
One solution to ensure personal privacy on the web is to use a Virtual Private Network, commonly known as a VPN. VPNs, which have risen in usage by Americans by 50% in 2019, according to an ExpressVPN survey, encrypt all web traffic in a tunnel, thwarting off hackers while using public Wi-Fi. “Anyone using the internet should take measures to protect their privacy and security, including fundamentals like using a VPN to secure their connection, using two-factor authentication for important online accounts, and checking privacy settings on social media, Li told Security Baron.
