US Consumers Clueless About Online Tracking

Arashtamere writes "A study on consumer perceptions about online privacy, undertaken by the Samuelson Clinic at the University of California and the Annenberg Public Policy Center, found that the average American consumer is largely unaware that every move they make online can be, and often is, tracked by online marketers and advertising networks. Those surveyed showed little knowledge on the extent to which online tracking is happening or how the information obtained can be used. More than half of those surveyed — about 55 percent — falsely assumed that a company's privacy polices prohibited it from sharing their addresses and purchases with affiliated companies. Nearly four out of 10 online shoppers falsely believed that a company's privacy policy prohibits it from using information to analyze an individuals' activities online. And a similar number assumed that an online privacy policy meant that a company they're doing business with wouldn't collect data on their online activities and combine it with other information to create a behavioral profile."

Who did this study?

[Anonymous Coward]

The Department of the Obvious?

But...

[Jmanamj]

But I can just change my browser options to "don't save filled forms" and all the stuff I search for on Google isn't saved right?

Nobody could ever get that information.

Re:US consumers are clueless about technology

[the angrybaby]

So true about the OS thing...One time this guy told me that NORTON was his operating system.

important moral question

[Anonymous Coward]

Dear Slashdot,

I'm in a quandry. I see policemen beating lawyers on the streets in Pakistan.

How should I be feeling?

Thanks,

A concerned citizen.

Re:astonishing

[timmarhy]

I don't know about you, but i've never had a condom fall off, maybe you have micro penis?

Re:U. S. Consumers Clueless ...

[cheater512]

No idiot. Its 'US Clueless'.

Who else would vote a ape in as president? :)

Re:U. S. Consumers Clueless ...

[tomhudson]

... psst ... I wasn't referring to tracking mileage - I was referring to bogus mileage estimates. you know - estimated miles per gallon your results may vary test simulates an ideal road with the car going downhill 4 midgets pushing and tires inflated to 120 psi to reduce rolling resistance all stops eliminated from route ambient temperature of 68 degrees F. engine previously warmed up to operating temperature consult your doctor if erection persists more than 48 hours.

Re:US consumers are clueless about technology

[Opportunist]

Is that in any way better than:

Word
Office
Intel
IBM
"the one with the icons"

or my personal favorite

"What do you mean "which one?", I have a computer!"

Re:US consumers are clueless about technology

[Pie-rate]

"- How to text and talk on the cell phone, even in stores and while standing in line.
- How to drive like an asshole"
Don't forget:
- How to drive and talk or even drive and text at the same time.

Oh, and generalizations make you a moron, which means you clearly belong here in the USA. Please report to the nearest airport. (On the off chance that you're a durkadurkasthani, try not to bomb it)

Why yes, I did just contradict myself 3 or more times. I can't be bothered to count, though, and I probably wouldn't be able to because I'm american.

Re:US consumers are clueless about technology

[Nazlfrag]

I'm not kidding, I have a luser with the exact same issue, refuses to say what OS/browser anything identifiable except Norton. I guess that in-your-face-worse-than-any-virus-known-to-mankind technology pays off in brand recognition.

Anyway, please, I'm begging you, how did you solve this? And I've unfortunately already ruled out homicide.

My fake mustache

[FlopEJoe]

I'm so ahead of those trackers because I wear my fake mustache and glasses when I buy questionable things on the internets. And they say we're clueless!