As a follow up on the issue of privacy and personal data protection, here is an article that is a part of a special report on Protecting your ID by Silicon.com. Their conclusion is on the timid side but deserves to be noted:

It is tempting to say data will leak, as sure as vulnerabilities in complex software will be discovered or spam will be sent. But let's not be fooled. Sensible data protection regimes around the world - and the UK should be applauded for its progress in this area - can make a difference. They will do much to protect some of our most valuable assets - the information that relates to us.