Perception of Digital Privacy Protection: An Empirical Study using GDPR Framework

TL;DR

This empirical study explores public perceptions of digital privacy rights within government data systems, revealing a dichotomy in perceived protection levels and highlighting cultural influences on privacy perceptions.

Contribution

It applies the GDPR framework to assess public perceptions of digital privacy, uncovering differences in perceived protection of various rights and cultural impacts.

Findings

Perception of the right to be informed is highly protected.

Perception of the right to object is least protected.

Cultural context influences privacy perception.

Abstract

Perception of privacy is a contested concept, which is also evolving along with the rapid proliferation and expansion of technological advancements. Information systems (IS) applications incorporate various sensing infrastructures, high-speed networks, and computing components that enable pervasive data collection about people. Any digital privacy breach within such systems can result in harmful and far-reaching impacts on individuals and societies. Accordingly, IS organisations have a legal and ethical responsibility to respect and protect individuals digital privacy rights. This study investigates people perception of digital privacy protection of government data using the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) framework. Findings suggest a dichotomy of perception in protecting people privacy rights. For example, people perceive the right to be informed as the most respected and protected in Information Technology (IT) systems. On the contrary, the right to object by granting and with-drawing consent is perceived as the least protected. Second, the study shows evidence of a social dilemma in people perception of digital privacy based on their context and culture.