Are You Comfortable Sharing It?: Leveraging Image Obfuscation Techniques to Enhance Sharing Privacy for Blind and Visually Impaired Users

TL;DR

This paper explores image obfuscation techniques to improve privacy for blind and visually impaired users when sharing images, showing that filtering increases comfort and providing design guidelines.

Contribution

It introduces a study on image filtering preferences for BVI users and offers design guidelines to enhance sharing privacy and comfort.

Findings

Pixelation was the least preferred filtering method.

Preferences for filters varied by image type and audience.

Filtered images increased sharing comfort for BVI users.

Abstract

People with Blind Visual Impairments (BVI) face unique challenges when sharing images, as these may accidentally contain sensitive or inappropriate content. In many instances, they are unaware of the potential risks associated with sharing such content, which can compromise their privacy and interpersonal relationships. To address this issue, we investigated image filtering techniques that could help BVI users manage sensitive content before sharing with various audiences, including family, friends, or strangers. We conducted a study with 20 BVI participants, evaluating different filters applied to images varying in sensitivity, such as personal moments or embarrassing shots. Results indicated that pixelation was the least preferred method, while preferences for other filters varied depending on image type and sharing context. Additionally, participants reported greater comfort when sharing filtered versus unfiltered images across audiences. Based on the results, we offer a set of design guidelines to enhance the image-sharing experience for BVI individuals.