Data Controller Study 2026

The Data Controller Study is a piece of research that aims to provide insight and support our strategic, regulatory, and research activities. The study was launched in 2023 and has been fielded annually for the last three years.

This year, we surveyed a representative sample of more than 2,200 organisations that collect, process and store personal data. The findings of the quantitative survey across all three years are presented in the interactive dashboard below and the accompanying findings report, helping bring the findings to life. To view the dashboard in full screen, click the button in the bottom-right corner below. 

We also conducted 20 in-depth qualitative interviews with micro-organisations and sole traders that were not aware of the ICO. Our research identified their awareness, views and expectations about data protection and regulation more generally and provided insights into engagement barriers between the ICO and data controllers. A summary of the qualitative findings is provided in the accompanying documents.

We have published the survey questionnaire, technical report and raw data for broader research and analytical purposes, in line with our enduring objectives. We aspire for the data and findings to contribute to the development of collective data insights and support policy development and research that take into consideration data controllers’ views and experiences, support public welfare and safeguard individuals’ data protection rights.

If you wish to get in touch or have questions about the research, please email the team at [email protected].