Ofcom survey highlights web fears

Internet users are a mixed bag, says Ofcom

New research from Ofcom has highlighted just how concerned the population is about identity fraud and theft.

Concerns about ID fraud have grown by 15 per cent over the past two years, said Ofcom, adding that sixty nine per cent of respondents admitted to being concerned about the amount of personal information that companies were holding about them.

However, people are generally more happy to provide their information, such as credit card numbers, online, said Ofcom, adding that this suggested that consumers are simply cautious when it comes to using the internet, as opposed to put off completely.

This caution extends to not taking all information found online at face-value. Just fifty-nine per cent of respondents were confident that they could tell whether a web site was reliable or otherwise.

Stewart Purvis, Ofcom's Partner for Content and Standards, said: "This research helps Ofcom understand how people's use of digital technology has changed as it becomes ever more a part of our lives. Although we have come a long way in the past few years, we need to ensure that people are not left behind by the pace of change.

In particular, Ofcom will work with its partners and stakeholders to help all citizens develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to make full use of the opportunities available and to protect themselves and their families from possible risks."