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16|05|08

Ofcom research highlights identity fraud worry

Concerns about identity fraud and other people using personal details have risen by 15% in two years, Ofcom research revealed today. Additionally, over two-thirds (69%) of people are concerned about the amount of personal information that companies hold about them.

However, the research also shows that more people who use the internet are now happy to provide personal information online, for example, their credit or debit card details, than in 2005. In these cases, the research suggests that people may be making more informed decisions about a website before entering their personal details.

Although 91% of people are very or fairly confident about finding the information they want online, just 59% are confident about telling whether a website is truthful or reliable or not. The research shows that, while the majority of people do make some kind of judgement about a website before entering personal details, 11% of people do not. 16-24 year olds are the most relaxed.

Protecting children - television and online

There has been a significant increase in using PIN/password protection on multi-channel television in households of 8-11s since 2005 (25% to 31%) and as a result this younger age group is now more likely than 12-15s to have such restrictions to their television viewing.

There has, however, been a decline in households with internet access having blocking software or controls regarding online access, particular in households with older children (55% to 51% of 8-11s and 50% to 43% of 12-15s). This is mainly due to parents’ beliefs in their child’s ability to self-regulate their internet behaviour. Four in five parents who have not set controls have not done so because they trust their child to be responsible.

Mobile phones

One in three adults has a concern about mobile phones. Concerns include risks to society, e.g. “happy slapping”, affordability and risks to health.

Gaming and downloading

Although academic research to date has largely failed to demonstrate a proven link between violent games and behaviour, children appear to share the wider public concern around this issue.

Around two-thirds of older children agree that violence in games affects people’s behaviour outside the game. There are high levels of agreement with controls setting age ratings for some games.

Around the same number of adults also show concern about gaming, with 68% believing that violent games can affect behaviour in the real world.

For children, awareness of online shops and free file sharing services is high, even among non-internet users. However, most (77%) are not aware that downloading music or videos from some file sharing services is illegal. Of those who are aware, 50% believe that such downloads should be free.

Ofcom’s Media Literacy Audits are part of a wide programme of Ofcom research into Media Literacy in the UK. In line with Ofcom’s duty to promote Media Literacy, they provide us with a base of evidence to develop new policies and initiatives to help citizens and consumers access and use digital media services and technologies.

Stewart Purvis, Ofcom’s Partner for Content and Standards, said: “This research helps Ofcom understand how people’s use of digital technology has changed as it becomes ever more a part of our lives. Although we have come a long way in the past few years, we need to ensure that people are not left behind by the pace of change. In particular, Ofcom will work with its partners and stakeholders to help all citizens develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to make full use of the opportunities available and to protect themselves and their families from possible risks.”

The Adults’ Media Literacy audit can be found here: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/media_literacy/medlitpub/medlitpubrss/ml_adult08/ and the Children’s Media Literacy audit can be found here: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/media_literacy/medlitpub/medlitpubrss/ml_childrens08/

Ends.

Notes for Editors

1. The report draws on quantitative research in which 2905 UK adults and 2068 UK parents and children were surveyed.
2. Today’s report is part of a wide-ranging Ofcom research programme. The next report to be published will be Ofcom’s Nations and Regions Communications Market Report, which compares take-up of telecommunications, television and radio services in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the English regions.
3. More information about Ofcom’s work on media literacy can be found at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/media_literacy/.

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