Privacy is a key issue in the future of the internet, an expert asserts.

Nick Stringer, head of regulatory affairs for the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB), comments that laws are in place in the UK regarding this matter.

He stated that these guidelines are there to protect the personal information of consumers, those working in IT secutity may be interested to hear.

Mr Stringer said: "We are going further than many practices in the offline world. In digital media, radio, and newspapers you don't have these rules for the collection of anonymous data."

He added that the nature of the internet means that a degree of self-regulation is acceptable when protecting people's privacy.

The comments came shortly after the IAB revealed its new code of practice for online behavioural advertising, which is part of plans for greater transparency in the industry and is designed to promote trust and understanding in web-based marketing techniques.

A recent Connect survey found that the two major concerns about outsourcing services like IT support were 'loss of control' (56 per cent) and 'budget over-runs' (43 per cent).