Title: Online Privacy Concerns: Some
Considerations
Abstract: As
Internet
adoption continues to grow exponentially, so too have threats to
privacy.
While the Web empowers the consumers enormously, they are increasingly
aware
of the ways in which technology can be used to collect potentially
sensitive
information regarding them and the ability of vendors to use this
information
without their express permission. On one hand, marketers face intense
competition
in the marketplace and need to have sophisticated knowledge of their
consumers
in order to provide products and services that satisfy. However,
on
the other hand, consumer information privacy concerns have become an
issue
of great sensitivity. This paper provides a brief review of
some
of the issues surrounding consumer privacy in a networked era and
outlines
how some new technologies have exacerbated privacy concerns. It
emphasizes
the importance of technology adoption and interaction readiness within
society
looking in depth at a number of theoretical and sociological
models.
It suggests that companies should respond to privacy concerns in a
positive
manner by treating consumer information privacy concerns as an
opportunity
rather than a threat.
Author: Cliona
McParland
and Regina Connolly