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As new media technologies enter society, privacy has become an issue for all members of virtual communities, particularly when conducting online transactions/e-commerce with fellow members/businesses (Poster, 1997, pp .201-217). Because of this uncertainty, some members of society are hesitant in regards to conducting business online, thus delaying the reach of e-commerce amongst online communities. Therefore, this issue will remain within the public sphere until adequately addressed by Government and business (Flew, 2005, pp. 200-222).
Throughout the Internet’s early development, users were granted the power of self-governance or regulation known as ‘cyber-libertarianism’, particualrly throughout the US (Flew, 2005, p. 204). With the introduction of e-commerce and online shopping, users were able to locate goods and services from the comfort of their own home, regardless of the geographical location of the goods (Tamimi et al., 2005, p. 37). Despite the convenience of online transaction, cybercrime and spamming are now a risk to all online consumers due to the transparent nature of the Internet (Wikipedia, 2005, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spamming) (See Privacy).
Today, users face many risks when building and conducting relationships online, be it in business, social or cultural networks. Through the development of ICT’s (Information and Communication Technologies), personal privacy is endangered in three ways including:
Because of this uncertainty surrounding online business, e-commerce is yet to be enjoyed by society, particularly when vital information or transactions can be displayed and tampered with without the user’s consent (Flew, 2005, pp. 207-209).
Due to the Internet’s fluid and decentralised nature, Government and legal bodies now face the challenge of implementing a system that does not detract from the economic, social and cultural advantages experience by going ‘online’. One way in which this is achieved is via individual privacy policies stated on business websites, explaining that users have control over the information they wish to publish online, whilst explaining what personal information and purpose of this data collection (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 2005, http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs23-shopping.htm). However, cybercrime and spamming remain a significant concern throughout virtual communities, and will continue to do so as the Internet filters throughout society.
Flew, T. (2005) New Media: An Introduction (2nd. Ed), South Melbourne: Oxford University Press, ISBN 0195550412.
Poster, M. (1997) "Cyberdemocracy: Internet and the Public Sphere," in Porter, D, (ed.) Internet Culture, New York: Routledge, pp. 201-217, ISBN 0415916844.
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (2005) "E-commerce and You: Online Shopping Tips," retrieved October 24, 2005, from http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs23-shopping.htm.
Tamimi, N., Sebastianelli, R. Rajan, M. (2005) "What do Online Customers Value?," in Quality Progress, vol. 38, no. 7, p.37.
Wikipedia (2005) "Spam (Electronic)," retrieved October 24, 2005, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spamming.
Kirsty Knox 06:51, 28 Oct 2005 (EST)
