Abstract
The objective of this study is to investigate the level of understanding that internet users have regarding data privacy, security, and protection. The study aims to determine the extent to which individuals are conscious of the potential hazards of sharing personal information online and the steps they take to secure their data. The research also examines the role of technology companies and government agencies in educating internet users about data privacy and security. The study was conducted in Bhopal using stratified random sampling, and data were collected from employees and students of an educational institution in Bhopal. The findings of this study will give an understanding of the current awareness of internet users and aid in future efforts to enhance data privacy and security for all users.
TopIntroduction
In the era of information technology, privacy is increasingly becoming a concern as technology continues to penetrate personal space. Users of online information technology are faced with numerous dangers, such as spam, cookies, and the clickstream. Advancements in real-time person-location technologies, including geo-location and biometric identification, along with miniaturized processors, embedded in everyday items, pose risks to privacy and security, requiring robust mitigation measures.
The public’s general lack of trust in technology is a major hindrance to widespread adoption of electronic commerce (Pavlou & Fygenson, 2006). Trust in the information society is also a crucial issue, as well as the protection of personal information and assets. According to Furger (1999), large data archives about individuals serve as a basis for public and commercial organizations to exercise control over people. Sender-driven technologies, combined with profile data, may also result in individuals being overwhelmed with personalized information, putting undue pressure on their behavior (Chen & Cheung, 2007).
The concerns about privacy and security in the world of information technology continue to be a topic of daily discussion (Jeganathan et al., 2022). While there are many articles and reports about the challenges faced by IT users, there is a lack of scientific studies that thoroughly examine their worries. This study aimed to address this gap by surveying online IT users about their concerns and fears related to privacy and security. Information technology encompasses various aspects, such as e-mail and online commerce, and protecting data from unauthorized access, unintended disclosure, and tampering is critical. Privacy, in this context, refers to a person or organization's right to control the information that is shared with others.
This study is particularly relevant given the growing importance of these technologies in our lives, and the increasing number of businesses that operate online. The participants in the study expressed concerns about internet privacy protection, online security, and the potential consequences of accidentally sending sensitive information to unintended recipients. Companies are investing in developing new technologies to help people protect their personal information, keep their credit card details secure, and avoid websites that may sell their data to third parties (Tertulino et al, 2023). Governments and private organizations are also investing in secure methods for transferring internet data to build trust with customers. When customers trust a secure website, they can feel confident about providing credit card information through encrypted transmission (Kim & Benbasat, 2003; Sankar, & Kiruba Sagar 2020).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Data Privacy: Data privacy refers to the protection and control of an individual's personal information or data, ensuring that it is collected, stored, processed, and used in a manner that respects their rights and maintains confidentiality.
Information Technology: Information Technology (IT) refers to the use, development, and management of computer-based systems, software applications, and networks to store, process, transmit, and retrieve information.
Sensitive Information: Sensitive information refers to any type of data that, if disclosed or compromised, could cause harm, privacy invasion, or significant damage to individuals, organizations, or systems. This information is typically confidential and requires special protection due to its nature and potential impact if it falls into the wrong hands.
Data Protection: Data protection refers to the practices, policies, and measures put in place to ensure the privacy, integrity, and security of personal data. It involves the safeguarding of personal information from unauthorized access, loss, damage, or misuse.
Electronic Commerce: Electronic Commerce, commonly referred to as e-commerce, is the process of conducting business activities such as buying and selling goods, services, and information electronically using computer networks, particularly the internet. It involves the exchange of data and funds between buyers and sellers in a digital format.
Data Security: Data security refers to the protection of digital data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. It involves the implementation of measures and protocols to safeguard data integrity, confidentiality, and availability.
Internet Users: Internet users refer to individuals who have access to and utilize the internet for various purposes such as communication, information retrieval, entertainment, and conducting online transactions.
General Data Protection Regulation: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law that was enacted by the European Union (EU) and came into effect on May 25, 2018. It replaced the previous Data Protection Directive and is designed to harmonize data protection laws across EU member states and enhance the protection of individuals' personal data.
Trust: Trust in data privacy refers to the confidence and assurance that individuals and organizations have in the protection, handling, and use of their personal data by entities that collect and process it.