Almost two thirds of people have seen online content which they considered untrue or doubtful, new research from the Central Statistics Office has found.
However, of these six in ten said they checked the content's integrity by checking sources or information online or by taking part in online or offline discussions on the content.
"The main way people checked the truthfulness of online content was to check sources and information, with 93% of such persons choosing this method of checking the content integrity," said Maureen Delamere, Statistician in the Social Analysis Division.
The annual Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Household Survey also found that when it came to preventing or limiting tracking cookies, 39% took preventative action by changing their settings in their internet browser.
While almost three in ten used software to limit them.
Around six in ten respondents limited access to their geographical location this year.
But 43% read privacy policy statements when providing personal information, the data also shows.
When it comes to personal data being used for advertising purposes, three quarters of those aged 25 to 34 refused to allow it, compared with half of those aged 65-74.
"Further analysis of the data shows that, of persons who bought or ordered goods and/or services online, only 56% checked that the websites were secure when online," said Maureen Delamere.
Six in ten of persons who participated in social networks self-managed their social profile and limited access to their profile or content on social networking sites or shared online storage.
