The 2004 survey conducted by Relemail also showed 83% of users avoided subscribing to an email newsletter because they weren't sure they could trust the publisher, and 78% do not always believe companies' own email privacy statements.
On the positive side, 91% of users say they are more likely to give their business to an organization that follows ethical email practices and respects their privacy, and 72% said they are more likely to subscribe to an email newsletter that has been independently certified as trustworthy.
"These data point out that people are increasingly skeptical of self-published email privacy policies," said ReleMail founder and email marketing veteran Mike Adams. "They generally don't believe companies' own privacy statements, but they do pay attention to independent certification of email practices."
The survey was taken in conjunction with this week's launch of Relemail, the first email privacy monitoring service available to ecommerce directors, email marketing directors, small businesses and any online organization looking to build trust with customers and potential subscribers. The Relemail service monitors the actual email behaviors of clients, then issues public ratings (1-5 stars) that may be viewed by anyone. Relemail monitors 15 email behaviors and requires its five-star "certified" clients to meet all fifteen.
Results of the 2004 Relemail Email Privacy Survey and other privacy statistics are posted at http://www.relemail.com/statistics.html
Over 85% of Internet users believe they've been spammed after subscribing to an email newsletter: Relemail study