138/05
8 December 2005

Trust and growth in the online environment

Ten million Australians now use the Internet for transactions, according to a report released today by the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan.

Trust and growth in the online environment details findings of a survey of the perceptions, experiences and security practices of Australians who transact online.

The survey found that for many people the convenience of using the Internet far outweighed any security concerns. The report stressed, though, that some Australians who transact online should do more to improve their online security.

“While an increasing number of people recognise the benefits of the online environment, this research shows that Australians should become more aware of the need for safe and secure online practices,” Senator Coonan said.

The report also highlights that the issue of trust in online activities shapes how people and organisations use and respond to the online environment on the one hand, and how businesses and governments seek to engender trust on the other.

“The Government wants to build trust and consumer confidence in online information and services. A lack of trust would be a major impediment to the development of the online environment and subsequent productivity and social benefits,” Senator Coonan said.

“The Government recognises the critical role of building trust and has been active in the area of consumer protection in the online environment.

“The Government’s Strategic Framework for the Information Economy, identified trust and security as major issues. We have undertaken a range of activities including the introduction of anti-spam legislation, increased research into e-security, and collaborative efforts between Government agencies to address online security.”

The Government is also working to raise community awareness and has released a number of information papers on e-security issues such as phishing, spyware and strategies for business and consumers to ensure their online protection.

The Government recently launched the Australian Internet Security Initiative, which provides internet service providers with data to identify computers that have been compromised or zombied.

“The report will make a significant contribution to raising awareness of online trust issues amongst providers and users of online services, in addition to contributing to research in this area,” Senator Coonan said.

More information and the report is available online at www.dcita.gov.au/ie/benchmarking/trustandgrowth