The Case for Animal Privacy in the Design of Technologically Supported Environments.

Patrizia Paci,Bashar Nuseibeh,Clara Mancini

doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.784794

Patrizia Paci, Bashar Nuseibeh + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.784794

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Abstract

Privacy is an essential consideration when designing interactive systems for humans. However, at a time when interactive technologies are increasingly targeted at non-human animals and deployed within multispecies contexts, the question arises as to whether we should extend privacy considerations to other animals. To address this question, we revisited early scholarly work on privacy, which examines privacy dynamics in non-human animals (henceforth “animals”). Then, we analysed animal behaviour literature describing privacy-related behaviours in different species. We found that animals use a variety of separation and information management mechanisms, whose function is to secure their own and their assets' safety, as well as negotiate social interactions. In light of our findings, we question tacit assumptions and ordinary practises that involve human technology and that affect animal privacy. Finally, we draw implications for the design of interactive systems informed by animals' privacy requirements and, more broadly, for the development of privacy-aware multispecies interaction design.

Highlights

IntroductionPrivacy has been an increasing concern, concomitantly with the increasing capabilities and pervasiveness of computing systems
Within interaction design literature, privacy has been an increasing concern, concomitantly with the increasing capabilities and pervasiveness of computing systems
We found that animals express a wide range of privacyrelated behaviours, which constitute different forms of physical separation and information management, to ensure their and their offsprings’ safety, protect their assets, gain access to mates, and manage social interactions and relations in different contexts

Summary

Introduction

Privacy has been an increasing concern, concomitantly with the increasing capabilities and pervasiveness of computing systems. Starting from the analysis of territoriality, Westin [1] and other privacy scholars, described basic privacyclaiming and distance-setting mechanisms manifested in both human and non-human animals Subsequent to this early work, the scholarly discourse on privacy has neglected to examine this fundamental phenomenon beyond the human species, which is reflected in a lack of consideration for the privacy of animals in the design of interactive systems. The authors refer to the theory of the extended self [7] to explain pet-owner relationship in relation to privacy and claim that strong animal-human bonds result in greater risks of privacy and security breaches enabled by data from animal wearables The findings of these studies show implications for the design of “privacy-respectful” pet wearables and highlight the need to introduce privacy and security safeguards to prevent data breaches. Is privacy just a human concern or is it important from animals’ perspective?

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