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[FYI] Does Online Privacy 'Really' Matter? 'No' According to Consumers



Hallo,

--snip-- http://www.circleid.com/article/250_0_1_0_C/

Does Online Privacy 'Really' Matter? 'No' According to Consumers

Sep 12, 2003

By Eric Goldman | Add+Read Comments

In introducing yet another online privacy bill, Sen. Ernest Hollings
(D-S.C.) claimed that "privacy fears are stifling the development and
expansion of the Internet as an engine of economic growth." Certainly,
surveys consistently show that consumers express concern about
Internet privacy. For example, in a June 2002 Jupiter report, 70% of
online consumers said they worried about online privacy.

But what do these surveys really prove? If consumers are really
concerned about their online privacy, their behavior doesn't show it.

[..]

Further, consumers sell their personal data incredibly cheaply. Says
leading Internet pundit Esther Dyson, "you can do a survey and
consumers say that they are very concerned about their privacy; then
you offer them a discount for a book and they'll tell you everything."
Indeed, a June 2002 Jupiter report said that 82% would give personal
information to new shopping sites to enter a $100 sweepstakes.

[..]

In contrast, mainstream consumers don't change their behavior based on
online privacy concerns. If these people won't take even minimal steps
to protect themselves, why should government regulation do it for
them?

[..]

Thus, consumer behavior tells companies what level of privacy to
provide. We should let the market continue unimpeded rather than chase
phantom consumer fears through unnecessary regulation.

--snip--

MfG
 Olaf



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