The majority (69%) of online Americans use webmail services, store data online or use software programs whose functionality is online, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

 By doing so these users are making use of cloud computing which allows them to access data through any Internet enabled device. Users who take advantage of cloud applications say they like the convenience of having access to data on any Internet enabled device.

 “Even as large numbers of users turn to ‘cloud computing’ applications, many may lack a full understanding of possible consequences of storing personal data online,” said John B. Horrigan, Associate Director of the Pew Internet & American Life Project and author of the report.

 “These findings give consumers, the technology community, and policymakers a chance to discuss the trade offs between convenience and privacy and figure out where there are needs for education to improve public understanding.”

 More than half (56%) of Internet users use online services such as Hotmail, Gmail, or Yahoo Mail. Thirty-four percent store personal photos online and 29 percent use online applications such as Google Documents or Adobe Photoshop Express.

 More than half (51%) of Internet users who have done clued computing say the main reason they do is it is easy and convenient. Forty-one percent say a major reason they use cloud applications is that they like being able to access their data from whatever computer they are using.

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