A data privacy survey commissioned by Nokia Siemens Networks reveals growing sensitivity about personal data amongst European consumers. The survey of more than 5,000 people across five countries in Europe in 2010 shows a significant increase in awareness about the use and misuse of personal data by third parties compared to the level of awareness in 2009. According to the 2010 study, mobile and internet users? personal data – including name, pictures and occupation – are increasingly regarded as highly sensitive, requiring greater protection.
However, 40 percent of respondents to the survey said that they would agree to exchange personal data for targeted services. In addition, telecoms operators were seen as the second most trusted group, after banks, for securing personal information.
In the UK, 87 percent of respondents said they are very selective about giving personal data away, whereas in 2009 it was a 79 percent. Nevertheless, only a third does not want to share personal data at all, even if it is to obtain more relevant services based on personal data.
In Germany, the number of users who would like to benefit from more personalized services in exchange for their personal data doubled in 2010 compared to 2009.
The high level of trust that people have in telecom operators provides an opportunity for them to offer more targeted and relevant services, paving the way for business growth.
?Identity Management enables operators to act as identity brokers for their customers, protecting users? personal data on the one hand and enabling more relevant, personalized services on the other,? says Shamir Shoham, head of marketing and product management, for Business Solutions at Nokia Siemens Networks. ?Nokia Siemens Networks is at the forefront of providing a complete set of Identity Management and security solutions to help operators improve customer experience and drive new revenue streams while proactively addressing growing concerns about data privacy.?
