E-commerce Transactions Scare Customers Research Proposal

E-commerce Transactions Scare Customers - Research Proposal Example This has necessitated the need to have a secure environment, over the internet, where sellers and buyers can safely transact the business. On the other hand, the private details of internet users are being accessed by unauthorized fakes, which make it mandatory to have in place the measures for combating such menace. In view of the above, the proposed research intends to investigate the privacy issues from social, psychological, economic and regulatory perspectives. Apart from this, the paper would investigate into the technical issues, related to the provision of security for e-commerce transactions. However, the personal information submitted at the time of such transaction by the customer can be misused by various fakes for committing many frauds, which include credit card and payment crimes. Hence, it is imperative to understand the effect of correctional methods that are needed to counter the challenges of privacy and security in e-commerce. Whether such measures have really hel ped the buyer and seller? On the other hand, it might have dampened the business prospects of sellers, as consumers fear that their personal data can land up in the hands of criminal elements. This is particularly relevant, considering the current terrorism threat, all-over the world. Research Question As businesses, around the world, are still trying hard to find a perfect solution to the above-stated problem, the proposed research question for this paper would be: â€Å"What steps companies should take, in e-commerce, to ally the fears of customers regarding reuse of their personal information?† Literature review Previous research studies conducted in this direction have reported in detail about various perspectives that relate to security and privacy issues. A poll conducted by business week revealed that 40% online shoppers were surprised to find their personal details being used by others, for different business purposes, while 57% of such online consumers favored mandat ory laws for regulating the use of such information. (Harris Poll, 200). The reason for these concerns could be traced to non-implementation of fundamental regulations with regard to fair information practices, by the online businesses. This has left only a few online consumers believing in the safety of their personal details provided to website owners, while many online businesses might sell such information to others.(Culnan & Armstrong 1999). (Ackerman & Davis) Privacy concerns, However, the subject of privacy being a debatable one, it is necessary to understand its definition. Culnan has defined privacy as an ability of individuals to have the control over the collection and use of their personal data. Nevertheless, there may be certain cases where disclosing private information is necessary. These would include cases involving access to credit or public health schemes.(Clarke 1999). While people feel the need to have control over the things which they want to share with others , the changing technology mandates new rules for safe conduction of business, particularly e-commerce. Clarke has discussed in detail various terms connected with the issue of privacy, which includes choice, identification, digital persona, trust, among others.