Cisco's 2025 Privacy Benchmark Highlights Rising Complexity in the AI Era

Cisco has released its 2025 Data Privacy Benchmark Study, showing that while trust in global data providers is increasing, organizations also prefer local data storage for perceived security. The study, based on responses from 2,600 privacy and security professionals across 12 countries, reveals that 91% trust global providers for better data protection, yet 90% see local storage as safer—highlighting the tension between data sovereignty and cross-border flows.

Support for privacy legislation is strong, with 86% saying it positively impacts their organizations. Nearly all respondents (96%) reported that privacy investments deliver returns exceeding costs. However, as AI continues to expand, 99% of organizations expect to shift resources from privacy budgets to AI governance, reflecting growing concern about data misuse with tools like Generative AI.

Familiarity with AI is rising—63% report being very familiar with GenAI—but risks persist. About 64% are concerned about accidentally exposing sensitive data, while nearly half have already entered such data into AI tools. Cisco’s AI Defense tools are designed to help reduce these risks.

The study stresses that solid data governance is essential for responsibly integrating AI and ensuring long-term trust and growth. Cisco will continue to monitor the evolving balance between privacy and AI innovation.