GDPR-DATA

Research

About This Research

Global Digital Research Survey

Independent • Anonymous • GDPR‑Compliant

Survey Introduction (Universal & GDPR‑Compliant)

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this global research survey. We are conducting an independent, anonymous study to better understand how people of all ages, professions, and regions use digital tools such as computers, operating systems, office suites, and cybersecurity applications.

This research focuses on several important themes:

  1. How users choose and pay for software
  2. How software affects hardware lifespan and energy consumption
  3. Awareness and usage of legal, cracked, or free software
  4. The value users place on data privacy, ethics, and GDPR compliance
  5. Public expectations around fairness, transparency, and digital responsibility

While all these points are important, recent years have shown a growing public concern, especially regarding data ethics, misuse of personal information, and digital sovereignty. Governments, researchers, and civil society around the world, particularly in the EU, have raised serious questions about unchecked data access and exploitation by both corporations and state actors.

Some public sources highlighting these challenges:

  • Meta Accused of Eavesdropping via Facebook App Microphones
  • Over 26 Billion Credentials Exposed in Massive Password Leak
  • European Commission Overview on EU Data Regulation & Sovereignty
  • Springer Research: A Digital Ethics Framework for Public Institutions
  • African Internet Rights Report: Digital Privacy Under Attack

A quick online search reveals many similar stories. Even casual users of PCs or smartphones should know: your private messages, images, browsing history, or biometric data could be accessed by unknown entities.

This survey gives you the chance to contribute to a better digital future. With your input, we aim to better understand user needs and values and guide future software developments that are affordable, secure, and respectful of privacy.

Here’s what you should know: This independent research project explores how people and organizations use and assess digital tools such as operating systems, office suites, and security software in various settings. Our approach is strictly unbiased and evidence‑based: we do not take sides and aim only to present an accurate picture of reality. Participation is completely anonymous and GDPR‑compliant; we do not request personal information, and responses are analyzed collectively for academic and organizational insights. Any technical metadata recorded by standard web infrastructure is never associated with survey responses, and no data is sold or shared with third parties. The survey is available in English, German, French, and Dutch (with additional languages to follow). Thank you for contributing to a careful, ethics‑first study of today’s digital environment.

  • This survey is 100% anonymous. We do not collect names, emails, or any tracking data.
  • It takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete.
  • Your responses will be used exclusively for ethical, non‑commercial research purposes.
  • The survey fully complies with GDPR and internationally accepted research standards.

Skills Acknowledgement (for advanced pathway)

Based on your self‑awareness and choosing this survey option, we’ll assume you’re comfortable with standard PC concepts and troubleshooting. Specifically, we’ll proceed as if you:

  • Know what an Operating System (OS) is and can identify examples (e.g., Microsoft Windows).
  • Understand basic hardware concepts such as RAM and memory management.
  • Recognize the difference between free/open‑source, licensed/legal, and cracked/illegal software.
  • Are familiar with common performance improvements and typical first steps when issues arise.
  • Can self‑assess your confidence level and decide whether to solve issues yourself or involve a knowledgeable contact or service center.

Because of this, we’ll skip the light skills assessment and take you directly to the more advanced questions on software choices, privacy/GDPR, security practices, energy efficiency, and willingness‑to‑pay. If any of these assumptions don’t fit your situation, you may return to the basic path at any time. Your responses remain anonymous and GDPR‑compliant; no personal identifiers are collected unless you explicitly choose to share them for follow‑up.

Section 1: Personal and Demographics

1. Which age group do you belong to?
2. Which region/country are you currently living in?
3. What is your highest level of education you have completed?
4. What is your primary occupation status?

Section 2: Devices

5. What type of computer do you use most often?
6. How much did you spend (or plan to spend) on your main computer?
7. How often do you replace your main device (laptop/PC)?
8. What is your primary use case for your computer?
9. What factors are most important when choosing software (Select max 2)

Please choose up to 2.

10. Which brand do you currently associate most with operating systems?
11. Are you currently facing challenges with (one of the) available OS(s)?
12. If a trusted, stable operating system were available, would you consider switching?

Section 3: Software Spending

13. How much do you currently spend on your operating system?
14. Are you using a cracked (illegal) version of your operating system?
15. What would you improve in your current Operating System?
16. What kind of Office Suite are you using?
17. How much do you currently spend or have spent on an Office suite (annualized)?
18. What would you improve in your current office/security software?
19. How much do you spend annually on security software per user?
20. Do you use a cracked version of security software?

Section 4: Willingness to Pay (Legal, Auto‑Updating Software)

21. Annual willingness to pay for a legal, auto‑updating Office suite with latest features, good UI, easy usability (plus energy & sustainability benefits)
22. Annual willingness to pay for legal, auto‑updating security software that gives maximum protection

Section 5: Additional Value‑Based Willingness to Pay – Green & Sustainable OS

23. Would the environmental impact influence your decision to switch to such an OS?
24. Would a 30–40% lower energy consumption OS be more attractive if it also reduced your electricity bills long‑term?
25. If your computer's life could be extended by 2–3 years thanks to an efficient OS, would this be a key reason to switch?
26. If a new OS reduces energy by 30–40%, extends hardware life by 40–50%, and has a significant sustainability impact, how much extra would you pay annually?

Section 6: Data Privacy & GDPR Awareness

27. Are you aware of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and your personal data rights?
28. How important is data privacy to you when using software or online services?
29. Would you be more likely to use an OS that is fully GDPR‑compliant and transparent about data handling?
30. Would you be willing to pay more for software that ensures zero data selling, full GDPR compliance, and local data control?
31. Do you usually read privacy policies or terms & conditions before using software?

Section 7: Pain Points & Support Preferences

32. What are the biggest challenges you currently face with your digital tools? (Select up to 3)
33. What type of support do you value most when using digital software?
34. Preferred platforms to receive updates, tips, or support info
35. If you needed help setting up or fixing software, where would you go first?
36. What makes you trust a new software product or company?

Section 8: Communication & Outreach Preferences

37. How do you usually discover new software or tech tools?
38. What would motivate you to try out a new software solution?

Section 9: Targeted Needs by User Type (Optional)

39. Do you think your current software is well‑suited for your specific needs as a:
40. Should software offer different versions or pricing based on user category?
41. Anything else to share about software use, licensing, or data compliance? (max 500 words)

Thank You

Thank you for participating in this survey. Your contribution is highly valuable, and all data will be processed in full compliance with our committed GDPR standards.

If you would like to receive two (2) Microsoft Windows 11 Pro licenses, legally eligible and valid for use in your region, please provide your email address below. We will send you a voucher with instructions to redeem your licenses.

By submitting, you confirm your responses are accurate to the best of your knowledge.