Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe that consumers have lost control over how their personal information is collected and used by companies, according to a new Harris Interactive poll. But they had less confidence in companies when the poll was last conducted in1999. Then the percentage was 80%.
Fifty-four percent of the public disagree that most businesses handle the personal information they collect about consumers in a proper and confidential way. In 1999, however, only 35% felt that way.
Just over half of adults polled disagreed that existing laws and organizational practices provide a reasonable level of protection for consumer privacy. Just 38% felt laws and practices protected them in 1999.
Those who feel that it’s extremely important to be able to share a confidential matter with someone they trust has fallen from 83% in a 1994 poll to 76% now.
Those who feel that it’s extremely important to not have someone watch them or listen to them without their permission has fallen from 79% in 1994 to 73% now.
The biggest decline in concern is found among those who feel that not being monitored at work is extremely important. This fell from 65% in 1994 to 42% today.
In 1994, nearly 50% said it is extremely important not to be disturbed at home, too. Today, more, 62% want privacy at home.
This analysis is based on replies to three questions asked by telephone to a nationwide cross-section of 1,010 adults. The survey was conducted in February.
