Poll: Most want U.S. to make Internet safer [View All]

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http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/business/technology/11900157.htm

Poll: Most want U.S. to make Internet safer

By Ted Bridis

Associated Press


WASHINGTON - Most Americans who describe themselves as likely voters believe the government should do more to make the Internet safe, but they don't trust the federal institutions that are largely responsible for creating and enforcing laws online, according to a new industry survey.

People who were questioned expressed concerns over threats from identity theft, computer viruses and unwanted ``spam'' e-mails. But they held low opinions of Congress and the Federal Trade Commission, which protects consumers against Internet fraud.

The FBI scored more favorably among Internet users in the survey but still lower than technology companies, such as Microsoft and Dell.

The telephone survey of 1,003 likely voters was funded by the Washington-based Cyber Security Industry Alliance, a trade group that has lobbied the Bush administration to pay greater attention to Internet security. The alliance also has cautioned lawmakers against what it considers unnecessary security laws.

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