MediaPost: Survey For MediaDailyNews Shows Web Users Know They're Being Watched

A Burst and MediaPost survey shows that the average web surfer knows that there are several types of technologies and companies involved in delivering ads. About three quarters reported knowing that it was likely information was being harvested on how they interact with sites. Two out of five said they thought it legal for companies to sell personal information, although four out of five said that there were some legal restrictions. These perceptions are more important in the privacy sphere than in other areas because U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of privacy laws have hinged on general market perceptions of what is or isn't actually private.

Interestingly, when asked if they thought it OK for sites to collect info in order to provide better targeted ads - the primary value proposition put forward by many targeting companies to consumers - a majority said no.