pets4smes
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 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 general 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.
