Shopping for Privacy Online: Consumer Decision Making Strategies and the Emerging Market for Information Privacy

University of Illinios Journal of Law, Technology and Policy, Vol. 2005, p. 1, 2005

50 Pages Posted: 7 Sep 2007 Last revised: 1 Feb 2014

See all articles by James P. Nehf

James P. Nehf

Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

Date Written: September 9, 2011

Abstract

Studies show that individuals are concerned about database privacy, yet they seldom make privacy a salient attribute when deciding among competing alternatives. Although privacy policies are present on many websites, web users rarely bother to read them. This paper explores why this is so. The author identifies rational reasons why web users do not shop for privacy and discusses the implications for the expanding market for consumer information. He concludes that unless privacy becomes a salient attribute influencing consumer choice, website operators will continue to obtain and use more personal information than web users would choose to provide in a more transparent exchange.

Keywords: database privacy, shopping, internet

Suggested Citation

Nehf, James P., Shopping for Privacy Online: Consumer Decision Making Strategies and the Emerging Market for Information Privacy (September 9, 2011). University of Illinios Journal of Law, Technology and Policy, Vol. 2005, p. 1, 2005, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1002398

James P. Nehf (Contact Author)

Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law ( email )

530 West New York Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
United States

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