[4]
Consumers have several choices available to them in helping to protect their own privacy when using or engaging in online activities. They can decide whether subscriber or data aggregation information decides not to participate in segmentation while online. Many websites will provide fields for registration or semi-private activities or services where you can click to accept or reduce any additional information or proceed to the proceeds from the services provided during a transaction or use of the website. The customer or consumer can decide where to leave or exit.
The future is uncertain for laws and government legislation involving privacy and the Internet. There is now significant debate in several states over privacy concerns on the World Wide Web. Some states have adopted laws and are trying to pass legislation to accommodate new technologies for the Internet and Internet users. Such states include Utah, where they passed laws concerning digital signatures. This law creates the opportunity for banks and other public institutions to act as digital signature repositories that allow individuals and businesses to send and obtain confidential information online, as well as do binding contractual transactions.
2. Security
The growth of e-commerce creates the potential for new dangers and abuses. Customers regularly buy products online, trade investments, and banks use personal information such as credit cards, Social Security, and account balances. A December 1999 study by Meridien Research found that online credit card fraud costs merchants more than $400 million annually. Meridien expects this to rise to $60 billion per year by 2005. [5]
After almost a millennium of paper-based, pen-signed business transactions, e-commerce is at pace to revolutionize commerce and generate tremendous convenience, cost savings, and productivity gains. Moving to an electronic trading model offers spectacular expended benefits, especially in the financial industry. However, concerns about security must be firmly addressed to ensure a company's immunity to certain dangers inherent in e-commerce. [6]