But that is not helpful in the information world, in the online world. Privacy is the number one concern of Internet users, after censorship and litigation issues.
Privacy is a make or break issue for Internet commerce.
In fact, Rotenberg said the lack of privacy assurances costs companies billions each year. The reason it is still a problem has to do with constantly changing technology. Using traditional rules as a guide in developing online security systems doesn't necessarily work, either. Detailing the way banks and Internet service providers are attempting to deal with privacy online, panelist Marvin Sirbu, professor of engineering and of public policy at Carnegie Mellon University, said that there are still many unanswered questions when it comes to reliable security online. Basic marketplace questions like when funds are available to merchants and who vouches for the identity of the consumer or merchant become harder to answer when applied to electronic commerce.