Cited by 53Privacy, Security, and Data ProtectionInnovative Human-Technology InteractionTechnology Adoption and User Behaviour

Privacy is the Boring Bit: User Perceptions and Behaviour in the Internet-of-Things

Williams, Meredydd, Nurse, Jason R. C., Creese, Sadie·2017·2017 15th Annual Conference on Privacy, Security and Trust (PST)

Abstract

In opinion polls, the public frequently claim to value their privacy. However, individuals often seem to overlook the principle, contributing to a disparity labelled the 'Privacy Paradox'. The growth of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) is frequently claimed to place privacy at risk. However, the Paradox remains underexplored in the IoT. In addressing this, we first conduct an online survey (N = 170) to compare public opinions of IoT and less-novel devices. Although we find users perceive privacy risks, many still decide to purchase smart devices. With the IoT rated less usable/familiar, we assert that it constrains protective behaviour. To explore this hypothesis, we perform contextualised interviews (N = 40) with the public. In these dialogues, owners discuss their opinions and actions with a personal device. We find the Paradox is significantly more prevalent in the IoT, frequently justified by a lack of awareness. We finish by highlighting the qualitative comments of users, and suggesting practical solutions to their issues. This is the first work, to our knowledge, to evaluate the Privacy Paradox over a broad range of technologies.

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Crossref · 10.1109/pst.2017.00029

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Authors
Williams, M., Nurse, J. R. C., & Creese, S.
Affiliations
University of Oxford (GB)
Venue
2017 15th Annual Conference on Privacy, Security and Trust (PST)
Publisher
IEEE
Published
2017-08
Pages
181-18109
OpenAlex
W2756014520
Cited by
53
References
37
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 5 · 2012: 1
FWCI
19.15
Type
conference paper
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Conference on Privacy, Security and Trust (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Privacy, Security, and Data Protection
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Human-Computer Interaction › Innovative Human-Technology Interaction
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Information Systems and Management › Technology Adoption and User Behaviour
Keywords
privacy paradox, Internet of Things, privacy behavior, smart devices, perceived usability

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