IBM Boosts Privacy Services

While online business continues to boom, an overriding concern about conducting commerce on the Web still looms: privacy. In an effort to deal with privacy concerns, IBM has formed a group dedicated to helping clients implement privacy policies, procedures, and technologies. Rebecca Whitener, senior consultant in security and privacy consulting, says privacy concerns increase particularly on sites that deal with data collected on children and medical history. With this in mind, IBM will look to aid the ability of companies to prepare for unforeseen costs and legislation.

Given the dissatisfaction and anxiety many users feel toward Web-site security, a number of changes can be expected. In the worst-case scenario for E-business sites, things may need to change from an opt-out environment to an opt-in scenario. Says Whitener, "If we decide to move to an opt-in environment, we can expect to lose some revenue."