Below are some recent research and analysis on the economic impact of data flows on consumers. They are in PDF format, so you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them.

• The Price of Privacy, An introduction and brief overview of the Glassman study, the Turner study, the Kitchenman "Credit Reporting" study, the Cate/Stanton study, and the Barron study — all posted blow.

• Putting People First: Consumer Benefits of Information Sharing (1999)
  Fred H. Cate, Information Law and Commerce Institute, Indiana School of Law
  Michael E. Staten, Credit Research Center, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University for the National Retail Foundation

• Customer Benefits from Current Information Sharing by Financial Services Companies (December 2000)
  Cynthia A. Glassman, Ernst & Young LLP for The Financial Services Roundtable

• The Impact of Data Restrictions on Consumer Distance Shopping (March 2001)
  Michael Turner, Information Services Executive Council (ISEC) for the Privacy Leadership Initiative and The Direct Marketing Association

• The Value of Comprehensive Credit Reports: Lessons from the U.S. Experience (2000)
  John M. Barron, Karnnert Graduate School of Management, Purdue University
  Michael Staten, Credit Research Center, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University for The World Bank