Government tops the list of "bad guys" as the organization most likely to abuse consumer privacy information with 88% of those people concerned with privacy believing that the government is the biggest threat to using their information without explicit permission. According to consumers, the government is followed by "crooks and bad guys," banks, insurance companies and credit card companies on the list of entities most likely to abuse personal information.
Consumers express being more concerned with privacy issues today than ever before. And with many forms becoming electronic, they are cautious about divulging personal information and are taking active steps to protect themselves such as checking to make sure websites are secure before submitting information and shredding paper and mail received unsolicited at home. Many believe their personal information is easily obtained by companies through magazine subscriptions and frequent-buyer programs implemented by grocery stores and airlines.
Although consumers recognize the "perks" of being rewarded for loyal shopping behavior, they are also concerned that their information is not protected and will be shared without their permission. "Almost everyone knows somebody lately who has had a bad experience with privacy invasion, credit card abuse or identify theft," said Linda Stegeman, president of Artafact. "In online focus groups, they recount stories of friends or families who have been affected by institutions or crooks and bad guys getting access to their personal information."
