Internet users and online privacy: a study assessing whether Internet users' privacy is adequately protected

Abstract

The paper examines the current state of Internet privacy. We assess the needs of UK Internet users in terms of online privacy protection, and determine the extent to which current privacy practices were satisfying those needs. Our work examines: (a) Internet users' attitudes towards online privacy; (b) 50 Web sites' privacy policies and practices and (c) existing privacy protection for users such as legislation and technological tools. The survey reveals a high level of concerns amongst Internet users related to their privacy in terms of: (i) personally identifying information that they provide to Web sites, (ii) the information that Web sites collect through the use of cookies and IP addresses and (iii) the information derived by tracking users' online activities.