E-commerce sites collect a lot of information about their customers. This information can include your name, address, email address, phone number, purchase history, browsing history, and more. E-commerce sites use this information to improve their services, personalize your experience, and target you with advertising.
E-commerce sites also share customer information with third parties. This can be done for various reasons, such as to provide you with better customer service, improve the products and services they offer, or generate revenue.
Online consumers care that sites are sharing their personal information. A recent survey by Deloitte found that 81% of US respondents feel they have lost control over how their data are collected and used. Additionally, 79% of respondents said they would be willing to share their data if there were a clear benefit for them. This suggests that consumers are concerned about their privacy but are also willing to share their data if they believe they are getting something in return.
There are several reasons why online consumers care about their personal information being shared. Some consumers are concerned about the potential for their information to be used for identity theft or fraud. Others are concerned about their information being used for targeted advertising. Still others are simply uncomfortable with sharing their personal information without their knowledge or consent.
There are several things that websites can do to address consumers’ concerns about privacy. First, websites should be transparent about what information they collect and how they use it. Second, websites should give consumers control over their personal information, including opting out of data sharing. Third, websites should take steps to protect consumers’ personal information from unauthorized access and use.
Here are some of the ways that e-commerce sites share customer information:
- With third-party payment processors: When you purchase on an e-commerce site, you must provide your payment information. This information is then shared with the third-party payment processor that the e-commerce site uses.
- With shipping companies: When you order a product from an e-commerce site, the site must share your shipping information with the shipping company that will deliver your order.
- With email marketing companies: E-commerce sites often use email marketing companies to send out promotional emails to their customers. When you sign up for an e-commerce site’s email list, your email address is shared with the email marketing company.
- With social media companies: Many e-commerce sites allow you to log in and use their services with your social media accounts. When you do this, the e-commerce site can access some of your social media profile information.
- With data brokers: Data brokers are companies that collect and sell information about consumers. E-commerce sites sometimes sell customer data to data brokers, who sell it to other businesses.
It is important to note that e-commerce sites must obtain your consent before sharing your personal information with third parties. However, this consent is often obtained subtly, such as by burying it in the terms of service or privacy policy.
Here are some tips for protecting your privacy when shopping online:
- Read the terms of service and privacy policy before creating an account or purchasing. This will help you understand the information the e-commerce site collects and how they share it.
- Be careful about what information you share online. Only share information necessary for the e-commerce site to provide you with the services or products you request.
- Use a strong password for your e-commerce accounts and change it regularly.
- Be careful about clicking on links in emails from e-commerce sites. Phishing emails trick you into revealing your personal information or clicking on a malicious link.
- Consider using a privacy-focused browser or search engine. These tools can help to protect your privacy online.
