Consumer Policy Solutions :: New Survey Raises Consumer Online Privacy Awareness - 0 views
-
Karl Wabst on 21 Apr 09Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumer Policy Solutions today released a new survey examining consumer awareness and understanding of online privacy. With Data Privacy Day tomorrow, this is an especially timely survey intended to help raise consumer awareness of privacy issues and give consumers the knowledge and tools needed for the privacy they desire online. Many consumers are not fully aware of the implications of their online activity and the "virtual breadcrumbs" they inadvertently leave behind when roaming from site to site. This survey, which follows closely on the heels of a Consumer Policy Solutions survey released in May that revealed protecting personal privacy is a top consumer concern, takes a closer look at consumers understanding of online privacy. Many respondents were unaware of the tracking, collecting and sharing of information that occurs as a result of online activities. "Consumers care about protecting their privacy on the Internet, but they do not necessarily know how to protect themselves nor do they understand how the process works," said Debra Berlyn, president of Consumer Policy Solutions. "Today is a great day to raise awareness of what the issues are for consumers. I think our survey serves as a good gauge of how consumers view their privacy online." In response to the findings of the survey, Consumer Policy Solutions is launching a website www.ConsumerPrivacyAwareness.org dedicated to educating and informing consumers about online privacy issues. The survey found that: * Consumers think they are knowledgeable about online privacy, but many are unaware of how their activity and behaviors can be followed and collected online. o 70% of Internet users say they are very or fairly knowledgeable about how to protect their personal privacy online o 42% are unsure whether their online activity is tracked and recorded by companies for commercial purposes o 12% believe that tracking by companies for co