Parents, kids and online privacy
Another interesting point I discovered through this online privacy survey is the apparent gap that exists between perception and reality when it comes to parental awareness of online tracking for commercial purposes. Parents identify themselves as knowledgeable about protecting their kids’ privacy online, but survey results indicate they are unaware of some the activities that occur online that could affect their children.
- Parents know less than they think about their children’s privacy online when it comes to sites tracking their children’s online activity.
- 69% of parents say they are very or fairly knowledgeable about how to protect their children’s privacy online, but 29% are not even sure whether the websites their children use have privacy policies and just 31% have read the privacy policies of the websites their children visit closely.
- 56% are unsure whether children’s online activity can be tracked by companies for commercial purposes.
As a consumer advocate and parent, I would encourage parents to talk to their kids about the websites they are using. Parents should also read the website privacy policies to familiarize themselves with the types of sites their kids are visiting. Talk to your kids about setting privacy protections on the websites they use. Take the time to learn more about how your kids’ online activity can impact their privacy. Finally, look for more information here
regarding kids, teens and online privacy.
Do you read privacy policies?
This recent online privacy survey revealed that many consumers don’t read privacy policies. While some consumers think they are knowledgeable about online privacy, they are, in fact, actually unaware of the tracking, collecting and sharing of information that occurs as a result of online activities.
Consumers do not always read privacy policies.
- 32% say they have read their ISP privacy policy closely
- 30% have read online retailers’ privacy policies closely
- 18% have read search engine privacy policies closely
These numbers seem to indicate that consumers readily accept privacy policies without actually reading them. With all the fine print and legal language, privacy policies can be difficult to understand. However, there is important and helpful information contained in these privacy policies. The policies provide details about how the sites use the information they gather about the online users.
I encourage consumers to begin reading the privacy policies of the websites they visit. Find out what those websites are doing with the information you give them. My guess is you’ll learn a lot more than you thought. It might take awhile to read through a privacy policy, but then you’ll have a better idea of what’s happening with your information and you can choose whether to use that website or not based on that knowledge. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to protect your personal information according to your standards.
New survey shows opportunity for consumer awareness on online privacy issues
As a follow-up to a previous online safety study, and as a precursor to this educational effort, I recently conducted a survey
to examine consumers’ awareness and perceptions about their privacy online. Not surprisingly, the survey revealed that many consumers are not fully aware of the implications that surfing the web can have on their personal privacy. This survey presents the opportunity to raise consumer awareness and provide the information and tools to help consumers’ protect their privacy online.
I discovered, with these survey findings, that there is indeed a need for further consumer education about online privacy.
Consumers think they are knowledgeable about online privacy, but many are unaware of how their activity and behaviors can be followed and collected online.
- 70% of Internet users say they are very or fairly knowledgeable about how to protect their personal privacy online
- 42% are unsure whether their online activity is tracked and recorded by companies for commercial purposes
- 12% believe that tracking by companies for commercial purposes does not happen at all
These statistics reveal the need for education about online privacy issues. Most of us are familiar with the online safety issues associated with kids’ use of the Internet, but what about the privacy issues that affect all of us online? Tracking online activity for commercial purposes is just one example of an online privacy issue that consumers may not be aware about. Check out another website, www.privacygourmet.com , to learn more about how this tracking occurs and check back here
often as I update information and tips on how consumers can protect their personal privacy online.
Welcome to the Consumer Privacy Awareness Project website!
The Consumer Privacy Awareness Project is a new educational effort dedicated to educating and informing consumers about online privacy issues. In all the discussions about online safety and how to protect ourselves and our kids online, time and again one thing has come to the forefront – the importance of online privacy to consumers. Consumers want to harness all the benefits of the internet, but want to do so while keeping their privacy and safety intact. The purpose of the Consumer Privacy Awareness Project is to provide consumers with the information they need on how online activity affects your privacy and what you can do to make sure your privacy is protected online.
Shop safely this season
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
By DEBRA BERLYN
Nov. 26, 2007
There’s leftover turkey and pie in the fridge. Now what?
It’s time to begin the holiday shopping frenzy. For many, that means a trek to the mall. However, for an increasing number of consumers, holiday shopping entails going to your computer to shop online. So avoid the crowds and practice “safe shopping.”
In the retail world, the day after Thanksgiving is known as “Black Friday.” It’s the busiest shopping day of the year, and retailers hope it gets them in the black. With the advent of online shopping, we now have a new retail term: “Cyber Monday.”
Today is Cyber Monday, the online shopping kickoff. We sit at our desks, think about the approaching holidays and shop. The National Retail Federation predicts that 30% of consumers plan to shop online this holiday season. According to Forrester Research, consumers will spend more than $33 billion on their online holiday purchases this year; many online retailers offer special prices and promotions to encourage sales.
Shopping on the Internet saves time and often can save money. But just as consumers need to keep their wallet or purse out of the reach of pickpockets at the mall, online shoppers need to follow some safe shopping guidelines to avoid fraud, scams, phishing or identity theft.
Here are some simple tips:
• Keep your computer in a safe, private place. Don’t leave it out in the open for others to view the screen or access your personal information.
• When shopping, always use a major credit card; most cards will protect you from online fraud. When possible, try to keep all purchases on the same card to make it easier to track them and avoid confusion when you receive your bill. Make sure to read the retailers’ policy on returns and damaged goods; know what you are buying and the return policy.
• Product reviews are available on some shopping sites, such as Amazon or Epinions, providing an opportunity to view other consumers’ assessment of the online retailer and the quality of the products. The Websites Froogle, BizRate and PriceGrabber also offer price comparisons for a number of products. If you are uncertain of the legitimacy of an online retailer, make sure there is an address and working telephone number listed on the Web site.
• Be aware that there are criminals who prey on unsuspecting online consumers. E-mails that appear to be sent from your bank asking for personal account information such as your account number, password or Social Security number are likely the work of a scam artist. Do not respond with any personal information.
These e-mails and instant messages are referred to as “phishing.” Scam artists use convincing messages to lure you in to capture your personal information. Scam artists have used the bank information to withdraw funds from their victims’ personal accounts. Make sure you install anti-virus software to help minimize these phishing e-mails.
• The Federal Trade Commission has an ID Theft Clearinghouse that can be accessed at www.consumer.gov/idtheft. The FTC offers several useful tips on how to stay safe through a campaign called OnGuardOnline (www.OnGuardOnline.gov). Another source is the National Fraud Information Center/Internet Fraud Watch at www.fraud.org.
• Children are not immune to these tactics. Parents who worry about their children online during the holiday season have tools available to offer protection. The Family Online Safety Institute offers suggestions and recommendations at www.fosi.org.
The Internet offers a shopping option that will help reduce the hassle and stress of holiday shopping. No more fighting for a parking spot at the mall. Just remember to be a safe and savvy shopper. Then let your fingers do the shopping online.
Debra Berlyn is president of Consumer Policy Solutions and an online consumer advocate.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=689320
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