Eurobarometer 60.0 (2003)

Consumer rights. Data protection. Education through sport. Product safety. E-commerce. Attitudes towards people with disabilities. Euro. This Eurobarometer is focusing on public opinion in the following major areas: consumer rights, personal data protection, education through sport, product safety, e-commerce, persons with disabilities, and national currency. Topics: Respondents were asked about opportunities to settle disputes with a seller or service provider including actions taken to settle dispute and type of product or service. A number of questions asked regarded the current justice system including the respondents´ level of trust in the system, areas that need improvement, and what resources are available to protect consumer rights. Respondents were also asked about whether they were concerned with the privacy of their personal data. Questions sought the respondents´ level of trust in national organizations, opinion of what data protection laws should entail, and whether they had used tools or technology to protect personal data. Respondents were also asked about their participation in sports activities. Questions included how often they perform recreational activities, where they exercise, what are the benefits and values of sports, and what are the anticipated outcomes due to the negative aspects of sports. Regarding safety instructions, respondents were asked if they purchase domestic electrical appliances. A number of questions focused on product safety information. Respondents were asked whether they read and obey the information provided on the product, whether the information impacted their purchase and/or use of the product, and the most effective way to provide product instructions. Several questions asked the respondent to recognize safety symbols labeled on the product, the symbol´s effectiveness, and whether it impacted their purchase decision. Respondents were also asked whether they purchased products on the internet, how often, concerns regarding their internet transactions, why they purchased online, and from what Web sites they purchased. Other questions asked regarded the security of internet transactions including the respondents knowledge of consumer rights, internet security, protection laws concerning internet purchases, who they contacted if help was needed, and their past experience with complaints on internet transactions. Respondents were also asked questions about persons with disabilities including knowledge of European programs for persons with disabilities, their knowledge of various types of disabilities, and their view of persons with disabilities. Lastly, respondents in the euro-zone, were asked questions that pertained to national currency including how pleased they were with the establishment of the Euro as the universal currency. Demography: Age, gender, marital status, nationality, left-right political self-placement, age at completion of education, occupation, household income group, type and size of locality, and region of residence.