Consumers may love shopping online, but they’re still suspicious of the safety of their personal information. A poll just out from Consumers Union’s Consumer Reports National Research Center says that 82% of consumers are concerned about their credit card numbers being stolen online while 72% are concerned that their online behaviors are being tracked and profiled by companies.
The survey also reports that while 68% of consumers have provided personal information to access a web site, 53% are uncomfortable with Internet companies using their e-mail content or browsing history to send relevant ads, and 54% are uncomfortable with third parties collecting information about their online behavior.
93% think Internet companies should always ask for permission before using personal information and 72% want the right to opt out when companies track their online behavior.
The poll also reports that consumers take steps to limit the information that is being collected about them online. 35% say they use alternate e-mail addresses to avoid providing real information; 26% have used software that hides their identity; and 25% have provided fake information to access a web site.
Consumers have plenty of misconceptions about how data is gathered and used online:
• 43% incorrectly believe a court order is required to monitor activities online;
• 61% believe that what they do online is private and not shared without their permission;
• 57% incorrectly believe that companies must identify themselves and indicate why they are collecting data and whether they intend to share it with other organizations;
• 48% incorrectly believe their consent is required for companies to use the personal information they collect from online activities.
The results are based on a national telephone survey of 2,006 adults 18 and over that took place July 24-27.
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