As concerns about digital privacy and security grow, Internet Safety Labs releases a groundbreaking report titled “Consumer Attitudes Toward Product Safety: Physical Consumer Goods and Internet-Connected Products.” . This comprehensive study, released in San Diego on March 5, 2024, finds a significant gap in consumer awareness regarding the safety of connected products compared to traditional consumer products. It’s clear. The report, supported by the Internet Society Foundation, involved 882 participants and aimed to analyze consumer perceptions of product safety in the digital age.
Uncovering consumer perceptions
The findings of the Internet Safety Labs report speak for themselves. They show that while consumers place great importance on product safety, awareness of the risks associated with internet-connected devices lags far behind. This inconsistency points to a failure to recognize a broader problem: the collateral damage, including emotional, reputational, and economic damage, that results from a systemic loss of privacy. Lisa LeVasseur, executive director of Internet Safety Labs, says that despite the complexities and risks, consumers are surprisingly willing to accept responsibility for the safety of internet-connected products. I emphasized.
Double standards in product safety
The study highlighted a concerning double standard among consumers when evaluating the safety of connected and unconnected products. This disparity highlights the urgent need for increased education efforts to broaden consumer understanding of the broader impact of data breaches and privacy risks. By drawing attention to the real dangers behind mass data collection, Internet Safety Labs fosters a more informed consumer base that holds digital products to the same stringent safety standards as physical goods. That’s what I’m aiming for.
Moving Forward: Advocacy and Standards Development
The Internet Safety Lab is about more than just research. The organization actively invites professionals, business leaders, and stakeholders to join its mission to advance standards for software product safety and ethical Internet practices. Their work includes standards development, product research, auditing, and policy advocacy, and they strive to ensure the safety of software and software-driven products with the same rigor that is applied to physical goods. For those interested in contributing to this cause, Internet Safety Labs provides a platform for collaboration and action towards a safer digital future.
As we navigate an increasingly connected world, the Internet Safety Lab’s findings serve as an important reminder of our collective responsibility to prioritize and champion the safety of digital products. The significance of this report goes beyond consumers’ immediate awareness to challenge manufacturers, policymakers and regulators to raise standards and practices to protect users in the digital realm. By understanding interconnected risks and advocating for robust safety standards, we can work together towards a safer and more secure digital environment.
