A study conducted by Microsoft has revealed that privacy is a key concern for internet users. The shadow of a privacy free future looms large as over 45% of those surveyed cited loss of online privacy by 2020 as their number one concern, while 60% worry that companies are tracking their every move online. While privacy is a significant issue for those surveyed, it is also a source of great hope as 66% of users dream of an online future where they can browse freely in complete privacy.
The research was conducted as part of the ‘Internet Explorer 9: Future of the Web’ study which surveyed more than 10,000 users across 12 European countries. The study identified key areas of concern for the future including privacy, the erosion of life ‘offline’, and the threat of the internet to high street shops and businesses.
Among the list of concerns the potential for an increase in cybercrime was substantial. Of those surveyed 52% are expecting a rise in online criminal activity leading to fears that the internet will become a hub for crime. In addition 46% fear that the internet will penetrate every aspect of business and society leading users to be incapable of disconnecting from the web by 2020.
Brian Kealy, Internet Explorer lead for Western Europe at Microsoft attributes the growing anxiety regarding the future of the internet due to a possible increase in privacy threats. Kealy commented that, “it’s clear that more and more people are becoming aware of their online privacy, and are concerned about how intrusive institutions are becoming in tracking – and exploiting – their online activities.” Kealy added that, “in addition, the threat of cybercrime is likely to make web users even more cautious, threatening the potential that the web has for our future.”
The survey reveals a fear that the whole world will turn digital as printed publishing disappears and online shopping takes control. The findings reveal that 33% of users expect an increasing amount of printed material to disappear as magazines, newspapers and books will be presented in a solely online format such as websites, apps, and e-books. While 38% fear that high street shops will be replaced by the online market. As to be expected it’s the youth that are leading the way in the online revolution as 41% of 14 to 24 year olds see a future devoid of printed newspapers and magazines.
There are hopes for a HD future as 53% wish to see the internet deliver music, TV, films and games in high definition in the future. Kealy argues that hopes for a HD future are redundant as HD is the reality today.
Kealy remarked that, “it’s interesting to see that the delivery of a high-definition entertainment is one of the consumers’ biggest hopes for the future of the web as that ‘future’ is actually here today.” Kealy added that, “more high quality entertainment is becoming available every day.”
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