The growth of interactive online lifestyles and social networks has arguably left IT users more exposed to privacy breaches. While governments continue to revise privacy legislation, the issue of online business relationships and privacy expectations remain contentious. Indeed, fewer studies have explored the expectations of users who willingly and knowingly engage in online activities that carry privacy risks. In this study, we examine the expectations and attitudes towards online privacy of a select group of 102 IT professionals. Using a qualitative survey, we show that these users have expectations of online privacy, particularly securing and protecting information from unknown third parties. Unfortunately, these expectations may go unsatisfied with third-party monitoring enabling information disclosure. In response, users argue that enhanced technical and complementary administrative measures should be actively pursued to improve privacy outcomes. The article builds further understanding of privacy expectations and trust behaviours, while exposing the importance of technical credibility from the online organisation and user perspectives.

Government smart cards have promised substantial improvements in public services delivery, yet they often seem to encounter great public suspicion, distrust and hostility. Very few contemporary studies have addressed the issue of understanding the actual beliefs and attitudes toward such initiatives. In this study, we investigate the beliefs and attitudes surrounding the ill-fated Australian Government's Health and Social Services Smart Card. We apply a proven electronic business theory model to address the research question: what are the general beliefs and attitudes of the Australian community and industry toward the introduction and use of the smart card? The study uses a composite concept mapping and content analysis technique to reveal that information security, personal privacy and the spectre of a national identification card engender serious community concerns over the proposed introduction of the smart card. The article brings further empirical understanding of the use of public smart cards, while highlighting the importance of political transparency, broad ranging community consultations, and sound technical design in electronic government projects.