Keywords:

internet; multimedia applications; privacy trust; ubiquitous computing; grounded theory; Privacy - Anne Adams

Abstract:

Many users are not aware of the potential privacy implications of ubiquitous multimedia applications. Decision-makers are often reluctant to raise users’ awareness, since this may open a ‘can of worms’ and deter potential users. We conducted an opportunistic study after video-conferencing developers placed a camera in the common room of their university department, broadcasting the video on the Internet. The email debate following the common room users ‘discovery’ of the camera’s existence was analysed as well as 47 anonymous questionnaire responses. Three distinct types of responses were identified, varying with the media type (audio vs. video) transmitted and scope of distribution (local vs. global). The groups also differ in their perception of the common room situation (public vs. private) and the degree of control exerted by observers and those observed. We conclude that privacy implications of ubiquitous multimedia applications must be made explicit. Users who discover privacy implication retrospectively are likely to respond in an emotive manner, reject the technology, and lose trust in those responsible for it

Notes:

Social interactions: · Sense of place rather than physical characteristics of spaces · Presentation of the self within a perceived situation · User need social cues about type of situation in which they find themselves (private/public) and the types of appropriate behavior.

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