Understanding Net Users' Attitudes About Online Privacy released on 14 April 1999 polled a representative sample of U.S. Internet users to detail many of the issues of privacy concern. When presented with scenarios involving the provision of personal data to Web sites, respondents were much less willing to provide information when personally identifiable information was requested. Some types of data are more sensitive than others. Respondents were generally comfortable providing preference information to Web sites. However, they were often very uncomfortable providing credit card numbers and social security numbers.
Many factors are important in decisions about information disclosure.
When deciding whether to provide information to Web sites, respondents reported that the most important factor is whether or not information will be shared with other companies and organizations. Acceptance of the use of persistent identifiers varies according to their purpose. Internet users dislike automatic data transfer. While respondents said they are interested in tools that make using the Web more convenient, most do not want these tools to transfer information about them to Web sites automatically. Internet users dislike unsolicited communications.