Online privacy: a matter of policy?

Privacy policies are a standard element of most online sites, but can differ markedly in the degree to which they are understandable to users, thanks to the volume of information and the complexity of the language used. Steven Furnell and Andy Phippen of Plymouth University, UK examine the policies of some leading sites and assess the implications for users. They also consider other ways in which users may tend to seek reassurance if understanding the policy is beyond their ability. Privacy is a key topic of interest and concern for those involved with any aspect of online activity. While the concept of privacy may have existed for many hundreds of years, it has become more important as the value of personal data has increased. Indeed, in Magna Carta, one of the first definitions of the rights of the individual in history, there is no mention of privacy, and personal information had little value. With the advent of the merchant classes came competition and with it the concept of competitive advantage, the value of personal information began to increase and with it the need for privacy. However, it is only in post-war capitalist societies that we see an exponential interest. It was the advent of the Internet, with its facilitation of global instant access to information at virtually no cost, that has raised massive concerns for the privacy of one's personal data. And this is due to the number of companies and organisations wishing to access such information, and their reasons for doing so.