Data leaks stunt e-commerce, survey suggests

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8219161/

Nearly half of all Americans avoid shopping on the Internet because they are worried their personal information will be stolen, according to a survey 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.

Avivah Litan, vice president and research director at Gartner Inc., said the study's findings are consistent with research she is currently conducting.

"One of the main findings in that research is that consumers are taking notice of all these security threats and attacks," Litan said. "They are having a direct adverse effect on e-commerce. People are shopping less online, and in the end (the security breeches) will slow down e-commerce growth."

[burrowowl]

1. Oh!

I am just so sad! Many times by the time you add SH, wait, etc.
Mom and Pop store cheaper.

[jojo54]

2. Shopping online is one thing

but when hackers get a hold of persoanl information from banks, S&L's, these clearing houses, etc., then THAT'S another story. I think it's time the government start making these huge corporations responsible for their own inadequacies. The consumers take the big hit, not the corps.