Capgemini Consulting report reveals consumers strongly skeptical of retailers’ data privacy initiatives

The report is based on a social media sentiment analysis of over 220,000 conversations over six months and covering 65 large global retailers that collectively generate revenues of over a trillion dollars. It uncovers the drivers of positive and negative consumer sentiment linked to personalisation and privacy initiatives worldwide, highlighting the current paradox that exists between the two. Key findings from the report include:

• Consumers worldwide are strongly dubious of retailers’ privacy initiatives: 93% of all consumer sentiment on this subject was negative 
• Security and invasion of privacy are key data issues: The report finds that the main factors contributing to negative sentiment are data security (76 %) and intrusive behaviour by the retailer (51%). Consumer skepticism grew when trigger incidents occurred, including updates of privacy policies during mergers and acquisitions, or regulatory inquiries into a retailer’s violation of data security policies 
• Data collection slips into intrusion: Technology perceived as intrusive was met with high suspicion, including in-store traffic monitoring (84% negative) and facial recognition (81% negative)
• Personalisation initiatives have been received largely positively across the globe: The report indicates that 80% of all consumer sentiment on personalisation was positive globally. But there are some discrepancies across regions – North America is positive about retailers’ personalised offers, while Europe displays a mixed sentiment. 
• Striking the balance between privacy and personalisation eludes most: Only 14% of retailers are perceived positively by consumers on both personalisation and privacy initiatives. A significant number of brands actively antagonised consumers, with nearly 29% of retailers leaving consumers dissatisfied with both their personalisation and privacy initiatives, largely due to intrusive loyalty programs, excessive promotional mails, poor in-store service, or confusing opt-in/opt-out instructions

Kees Jacobs, Global Consumer Products and Retail Consumer Engagement Lead for Capgemini, said: “The deluge of hacks on retailers’ data and misdirected personalisation initiatives are having a dramatic effect on consumers’ trust.The advent of digital shopping and big data analytics promised a golden age for retailers, but many of the world’s largest brands are finding the reality of safeguarding and properly utilising this precious information very challenging. Capgemini is supporting the work, in collaboration with world leading retail companies and The Consumer Goods Forum, on a defined set of Consumer Engagement Principles that provide guidelines and best practices to safeguard against such issues and help maintain consumer trust.”

Blend of trust, transparency and consumer control over data imperative to customer experience

The research offers insight into why retailers need to address associated privacy and personalisation challenges, including the importance of being transparent with how and when they will use customer data. Additionally, the report sounds a note of caution over the correct use of technology in the process, acknowledging that while it is a key enabler, algorithms alone are not sufficient to differentiate between pieces of data, determine the context and then tailor offers and initiatives accordingly – an element of human intervention is required.    For more information and a link to the complete paper please visit: https://www.capgemini-consulting.com/privacy-vs-personalisation   – ENDS – 

About Capgemini Consulting

Capgemini Consulting is the global strategy and transformation consulting organisation of the Capgemini Group, specialising in advising and supporting enterprises in significant transformation, from innovative strategy to execution and with an unstinting focus on results. With the new digital economy creating significant disruptions and opportunities, our global team of over 3,600 talented individuals work with leading companies and governments to master Digital Transformation, drawing on our understanding of the digital economy and our leadership in business transformation and organisational change.   Find out more at: http://www.capgemini-consulting.com @CapgeminiConsul

About Capgemini Now with 180,000 people in over 40 countries, Capgemini is one of the world’s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services. The Group reported 2014 global revenues of EUR 10.573 billion. Together with its clients, Capgemini creates and delivers business, technology and digital solutions that fit their needs, enabling them to achieve innovation and competitiveness. A deeply multicultural organisation, Capgemini has developed its own way of working, the Collaborative Business Experience^TM, and draws on Rightshore^®, its worldwide delivery model.

Rightshore^® is a trademark belonging to Capgemini