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Do you know what you're signing up to online? Panel calls on companies to make small print clearer

24 May 2011

While nearly four in five people surveyed said they are highly concerned that their online data might be sold on by a company to a third party, just 50% of people say they regularly read companies’ privacy policies. The Panel says companies must make clear to consumers if they share data with third parties, and improve awareness to ensure people can make an informed choice about what to reveal online.

“We were concerned that there was a lack of awareness about the various ways online personal data is collected and used, and our research reveals the extent of the problem,” Consumer Panel Acting Chair Bob Warner said.

“Consumers have told us that they are more comfortable sharing information when they are aware of, and have control over, what they are disclosing,” Bob Warner explained. “It’s much easier for people to use simple opt-in/opt-out tools – rather than reading the complex small print of company terms and conditions and privacy policies.”

Bob Warner said that this shouldn’t mean longer and more complicated privacy policies: “Companies should be able to explain how they protect people’s privacy in a straightforward way that makes sense to consumers.”

Three-quarters of the UK population now have broadband at home, and consumers make more online transactions than any other major European country. The market in consumers’ personal data is growing rapidly and producing many benefits, and the Consumer Panel believes that it’s vital that consumers feel confident about sharing their personal data online.

“If people don’t feel confident about sharing their information, this could become a barrier to the development of innovative services,” Bob Warner warned.

The Panel’s latest research Online personal data: the consumer perspective found that people were most concerned about sharing financial information such as credit/debit card details, information from social networking profiles and their mobile numbers. Nearly nine in ten people said that they were highly concerned about giving, or companies being able to collect credit or debit card details.

During interviews one consumer referred to his dislike of companies’ collection of personal information in exchange for access to content: “I hate when you can’t get to a certain page without opting in or registering. I don’t like not knowing what they want my information for, especially if it is not a website that I am familiar with.” (Male, 35-44 years old, Edinburgh)

Another was concerned about the jigsaw effect: “I don’t mind so much if one company has a piece of information, but it’s when they start joining it together that I don’t like it. Even if they ask for your permission it’s the principle that bothers me.” (Male, 35-44 years old, Birmingham)

Key findings

  • 6 out of 10 people (58%) when prompted said that they were concerned about privacy online.
  • 47% of consumers using the internet on their mobile phone are unaware that companies can use mobile apps to collect data about their location or what products/services they are interested in.
  • 79% of people surveyed said that they were highly concerned about their data being sold to third parties for companies to target the consumer with offers.
  • 50% of consumers said that they did not regularly read companies’ privacy statements or terms and conditions before deciding whether to use a site/service.

Recommendations

The Consumer Panel considers that consumers will only be genuinely empowered if they have:

  • information to allow them to make an informed decision about the implications of releasing their data
  • control over the use of their data
  • confidence that companies will follow the rules and manage personal data
  • reassurance that companies will always minimise the amount of data that they collect and retain it for no longer than is necessary.

“Our report highlights people’s very real concerns about control over their online data, and we are organising a roundtable discussion early in the summer with the International Institute of Communications to take the issue forward. The Panel’s research will also act as a benchmark to facilitate future studies looking at the extent to which legislative developments, industry initiatives and tools have actually empowered consumers,” Bob Warner concluded.

Do you know what you’re signing up to online? Panel calls on companies to make small print clearer (PDF 51KB, opens in a new window)

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