Threats to On-line Privacy

Abstract

The further development of the World Wide Web is threatened by the lack of online privacy and efforts to destroy net neutrality, says the father of the Web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee. He believed the world had to think about privacy "from a completely different point of view" in future, because the threat to personal privacy will be so great. Consumer awareness about privacy is increasing, particularly among Internet users. Sooner or later, if it is not happening, consumers will demand that their privacy be respected by business. This may require some modification to business practices and customer service and may involve costs not previously incurred. Even American big business has accepted that privacy is a concern, which must be addressed. All the public surveys conducted by and for big business in America showed a lack of confidence that consumer's personal information would be protected if they entered into transactions on the Internet. Privacy concerns have been clearly identified as a barrier to the development of e-business. This paper discusses the barriers to effective E-business and the legal protection for data Privacy in Sri Lanka.