A survey conducted by Harris Interactive for Privacy & American Business and Deloitte & Touche shows that 67 percent of internet users have decided not to register at a website or shop online because the site's privacy policy too complicated or unclear, and 64 percent of consumers have decided not to make a purchase because they weren't sure how their personal information would be used, Internet Retailer reports.

The poll also found that 87 percent of respondents have read or heard about personal consumer data being stolen or disclosed in error, and 20 percent of respondents report that they have been a victim of identity fraud or theft. Moreover, half believe that businesses are not handling their personal information properly, and 59 percent say existing laws and organizational practices do not provide a reasonable level of protection for consumer privacy.