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
