According to research data, 38% of Europeans have seen other people’s personal photos on strangers’ phone screens.
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Another 32% of respondents have seen other people’s video calls, 29% could read personal messages, 27% saw social media content, and 17% watched how others shop.
About one in ten respondents said they had seen another person’s financial information – bank or payment-related data.
More than a quarter of respondents admitted that they have observed information on other people’s phone screens that, in their opinion, should not have been visible to strangers.
These data show that in public spaces, people often, even unintentionally, become observers of our digital lives. Most often, foreign information is noticed on public transport, while waiting in lines, or simply being near other people.
To draw attention to this problem, Samsung and SEB Bank are conducting an informational campaign encouraging people to assess whether they take sufficient care of their private information security in everyday life.
Financial matters handled all day long
Increasingly, financial transactions are carried out using smartphones.
According to SEB data, about 70% of clients actively use the bank’s mobile app. Users open the app on average 14 times per month, i.e., about three to four times per week.
The most commonly used app functions are checking account balances and statements, making payments, and managing payment cards. Additionally, clients monitor their savings and invest through it.
Mobile banking has become a daily habit for many, as it allows quick and convenient access to financial data anytime and anywhere.
“At the same time, we see that security issues are becoming increasingly important to clients. More and more people choose biometric authentication solutions – fingerprint or facial recognition. They allow quick and convenient access to the app without entering a PIN or password, especially when others are nearby,” says Arūnas Badaras, Head of Strategy and Client Services at SEB Bank.
According to SEB Bank data, the mobile app is most frequently used at midday – between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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This shows that people manage their finances not only at home or in the office but also while traveling, during lunch breaks, or in other public places.
In summer, this problem becomes even more relevant. During holidays, people spend more time on beaches, airports, trains, cafes, or other public places where there are many people around.
Despite this, clients continue to check account balances, make payments, or book travel services.
Privacy starts with the screen
Many people are surprised to learn how often those around them see information on their phone screens.
We are used to considering our phone a very personal device, but the reality is different.
That is why not only digital security but also screen privacy is important – the ability to limit screen visibility to people nearby.
“Today, technological solutions are available to consumers that help protect confidential information from prying eyes. Moreover, they can choose which content remains hidden from others, such as information from certain apps, notifications, or data visible when entering PIN codes and passwords,” says Eglė Tamelytė, Head of Communications at Samsung Lithuania.
Experts remind that when viewing or entering confidential information in public places, one must remain especially vigilant.
When making payments or using online banking services, it is advisable to avoid public Wi-Fi networks, pay attention to surroundings, and use additional security measures such as biometric authentication or screen privacy solutions.
They help reduce the likelihood that personal information will become visible to outsiders.
Data collected during a 2026 survey conducted by Samsung and Censuswide across Europe, involving 11,000 respondents.
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