Without a doubt, internet privacy and internet security are big issues today, and the concern deepens knowing that millions are being added daily to the World Wide Web. In fact, all personal internet sites require a log-in with a classified password, and some even display a little lock to indicate that the user is logged into a secure site. But despite all the precautions, the risk factor remains and the internet privacy goes into a direct conflict with the end users. The question is, are there lapses with all the privacy and security measures placed within the sites, or is the user too casual to allow the bastion to be breached and then holler ‘foul’.
The internet today is not just about the personal keeping in touch, but has a huge bearing on the various portals that conduct B2B or B2C business, and is thereby rightly considered the engine of economic growth. In fact, online business transactions, including personal banking or bill payments, is growing in popularity with the people. Ask these people why use the internet and the prompt answer is convenience. Ask them about the allying fear and it is invariably the threat of privacy intrusion and security lapse.
The problem is to determine who actually creates either. Offhand, we can confidently state that a majority of the people do not even bother to read the ‘privacy policy’ of any site, and blindly click the ‘read’ just to move on to next step. In fact, the persons concerned about the privacy policy or the security threat will gladly pass on personal information on a free offer caption or on a consumer promo site. Some would gladly barter their email id and birth date even to a lottery or a sweepstakes vendor.
No doubts there are some who guard their privacy fiercely but then these are the ones who don’t scream either. The vociferous ones are in reality the apathetics, who do very little to safeguard their interest. Ask if these users would be willing to pay a little extra to safeguard their security and privacy fears, and their incredulous response will be ‘on the free-way’?
Technically, it’s the internet activists, who are concerned about privacy and security, and to get them they demand it from the one they do internet transactions, or just move on. They are the careful ones at all times irrespective of the site. In step contrast are the mainstream majority who may skip the minimal interest to safeguard themselves and demand that the government draft some ‘internet protection policy’.
In all honesty, even companies do care about consumer privacy and spend a lot to safeguard the interest in the hope of furthering their business bond. But when the majority consumer is not concerned, the companies too lose interest as it is a losing investment. If we have to view this whole angle of privacy and security with a positive and fair perspective, then we have to accept that the bigger onus lies with the user in using the safety features or avoiding sites that have no privacy policy. But it will not resolve any matter or make thing easier by merely drafting some regulations. There is every possibility they won’t be read either.