Study: British consumers worried about online privacy

The data shouldn't be startling. Concerns about online privacy go back to the beginning of the Internet. What is surprising is the number of businesses, online, who either don't have plans in place to protect consumer privacy or who don't tell their customers about the steps taken to protect them.

Some interesting findings from the TRUSTe report include:

• 90% of Great Britains' surveyed 'worry' about online privacy
• Those living in London or aged 25-34 or with children reportedly worry most
• 37% say they don't trust companies with their personal data
• 95% say businesses are accountable for protecting privacy
• 88% avoid businesses they don't feel protect their privacy

The UK survey was similar in finding to the US survey released earlier this year.

"The findings of our Great Britain study mirror TRUSTe's findings in a U.S. based study conducted earlier this year," said Chris Babel, CEO of TRUSTe. "Clearly, consumers around the world are overwhelmingly concerned about their privacy online. By strengthening TRUSTe's presence in the EU, we can better support our European clients and help them build the trust and confidence of their customers."

Similar results have been found in other studies, namely a study from Pew Internet & American Life Project. A majority of American's surveyed found nearly three-quarters were 'not okay' with their search engine queries being tracked while 65% said search engines tracking activity was 'very bad'.

Tags: online privacy concerns, online privacy trends, online security, TRUSTe