Fergie's Tech Blog

Data leaks stunt e-commerce, survey suggests

Bob Sullivan writes for MSNBC:

Nearly half of all Americans avoid shopping on the Internet because they are worried their personal information will be stolen, according to a survey [.pdf] released Wednesday by an industry group. The survey also found nearly all Americans think identity theft and spyware are serious problems, but only 28 percent think the government is doing enough to address the issues. About 70 percent said new laws are necessary to protect consumer privacy.

"Clearly voters are concerned about the security of their personal information on the Internet, and that fear is inhibiting the full potential of e-commerce," said Paul Kurtz, executive director of the alliance.

Specifically, the survey indicated 48 percent of respondents avoid Internet shopping, while 97 percent think identity theft is a serious problem and 93 percent think spyware is a serious problem. Those questioned were also worried about threats from unwanted "spam" e-mails.

posted by Fergie @ 6/15/2005 05:52:00 AM