Privacy concerns plague social media usage. According to recent research by TRUSTe and Harris Interactive, 92% of US web users worry about their privacy online. This worry affects business negatively.
The largest areas of concern for online privacy are (listed in order of concern):
76% are more likely to check websites and apps for a privacy certification or seal, which shows the importance of website trust-factors. These trust factors include clear privacy policies, design, technology and affiliations of a brand.
Privacy concerns also appear to be on the rise across these popular online activities listed above. With mobile, privacy concerns focus on mobile app usage. About 85% reporting some worries this year moves the level of concern up 8 points from the previous year.
Negative impact on business
SOURCE: Survey conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of TRUSTe, Inc. (December, 2013)