Online Privacy Research Articles

Minors’ online privacy disclosure and protection behaviors: a systematic review

ABSTRACT The invasion of minors’ online privacy has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Examining the disclosure and protection behaviours of minors about online privacy provides a theoretical basis for the development of educational activities aimed at safeguarding minors’ privacy. This study utilised visual analysis tools and content analysis of literature to systematically map out the research hotspots and evolution in this field. The findings revealed that (1) research in this area is thriving and interdisciplinary, (2) existing studies primarily focus on minors aged 12–18 and their active privacy disclosure behaviour in social media and other scenarios, as well as key influencing factors, (3) these studies not only examine the influence of minors themselves but also the influence of parents and peers on minors’ online privacy behaviours, and (4) most minors adopt avoidance strategies such as privacy settings and alternative websites to protect their online privacy. Further research could expand the research context, resolve controversial factors, use multiple methods, and explore additional privacy behaviours. This literature review plays a crucial role in generating academic discourse and provides valuable insights for developing privacy protection policies tailored to minors.

DaE2: Unmasking malicious URLs by leveraging diverse and efficient ensemble machine learning for online security

Over 5.44 billion people now use the Internet, making it a vital part of daily life, enabling communication, e-commerce, education, and more. However, this huge Internet connectivity also raises concerns about online privacy and security, particularly with the rise of malicious Uniform Resource Locators (URLs). Recently, conventional ensemble models have attracted attention due to their notable benefits of reducing the variance in models, enhancing predictive performance, improving prediction accuracy, and demonstrating high generalization potential. But, its application in addressing the challenge of malicious URLs is still an open problem. These URLs often hide behind static links in emails or web pages, posing a threat to individuals and organizations. Despite blacklisting services, many harmful sites evade detection due to inadequate scrutiny or recent creation. Hence, to improve URL detection, a Diverse and Efficient Ensemble (DaE2) machine learning algorithm was developed using four ensemble models, that is, AdaBoost, Bagging, Stacking, and Voting to classify URLs. After preprocessing, the experimental result shown that all models achieved over 80 % accuracy, with AdaBoost reaching 98.5 % and Stacking offering the fastest runtime. AdaBoost and Bagging also delivered strong performance, with F1 scores of 0.980 and 0.976, respectively.

Lobbying global venues: Sitting in or speaking out?

AbstractUnderstanding interest groups' participation in global policy processes is critical not least because of an increasing shift in policy‐making powers to global institutions. This paper contributes to existing research by examining advocacy efforts at the global level and proposing a novel argument linking the degree of policy complexity and the amount of groups' resources to lobbying strategies. Specifically, it argues that interest groups invest in both inside (“sitting in”) and outside (“speaking up”) lobbying strategies when the policy at stake is complex and they have more resources. This theory is tested using extensive and novel data spanning interest groups' lobbying efforts on global Internet privacy regulation.

Online Privacy, Young People, and Datafication: Different Perceptions About Online Privacy Across Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Ghana, and Slovenia

Children and young people’s online privacy is increasingly challenged by the datafication of the digital world, and this is an increasingly important area of policy concern. Understanding what young people understand online privacy to be, and what they want done to protect it, is key to creating effective and rights-realizing policy responses. This article explores young people’s perceptions across four countries and finds they have nuanced understandings about online privacy and clear, robust ideas about how to improve it. Context mattered, and their online privacy concerns and ideal protections were often informed by their socio-political context and awareness of and trust in datafication.

The Devil is in the Details: Detection, Measurement and Lawfulness of Server-Side Tracking on the Web

As online privacy is cementing itself as one of the core pillars of the Internet, major changes are happening across many industries. On the technological side, users are pushing for more privacy-preserving technologies and rely on browsers and extensions that limit online tracking as much as possible. On the legal front, regulations like GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive in Europe have forced companies to change their practices and be more transparent about how they handle user data. For the ad industry, the end of third-party cookies planned for 2025 is having severe ramifications as the main source of data on which this industry is built on will be gone. In this tumultuous context, companies have come up with innovative ways to overcome current and future restrictions. A novel technique which has not received much attention called Server-side tracking (SST) moves its tracking logic away from the user's device onto an external server. In this work, our aim is to detect SST on the web and understand its lawfulness with respect to current legislation. We developed a methodology that relies on crawls spaced 2 years apart performed before and after the introduction of SST to identify trackers that moved behind SST domains and that are now hidden from view. Our results show that 389, out of 7,367 visited websites, track users behind a cloaked domain and that 28 websites perform Server-side tracking in a first-party capacity. We demonstrate that such a tracking technique can overcome the Same-Origin Policy and introduce security vulnerabilities. Together with a legal scholar, we also show that SST entails non-compliant practices and infringes the GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive.

The Effect of Stressful Life Events on Online Privacy Protective Behavior of Israeli Students

ABSTRACTThis exploratory study investigates the influence of stressful life events on privacy‐protective behavior. We examine the effects of the ongoing state of war in Israel on the rate of deliberate falsification of personal details during website registration, in a user study of 107 students at Israeli universities. The students were queried using a quantitative method in online closed‐ended questionnaires. This research builds on our previous work (Weinberger & Bouhnik, 2021) examining the effects of other stressful life events, specifically the COVID‐19 pandemic, on the privacy‐protective behavior of Israeli students. We found that distrust of website operators and the desire to remain anonymous are the most common reasons for identity falsification. In addition, our analysis showed that the greater the concern over privacy, the more likely identity falsification was to occur. The Israel‐Hamas War in Israel seems to have exacerbated privacy concerns among online users, in turn increasing the tendency of users to exhibit privacy‐protective behavior.

An Exploration of College Students Online Privacy Protection Awareness and Behavior in the Social Media Era

Taking online privacy protection of college students in the social media era as an entry point, the study explored the current situation of college students use of social media platforms, their awareness and behavior of online privacy protection, as well as the influencing factors through questionnaire surveys and data analysis. The study found that most college students do not pay enough attention to online privacy protection, and there is a high risk of privacy leakage. Factors affecting college students awareness and behavior of online privacy protection include social media platform characteristics, personal factors, and social and cultural environments. In response to these problems, countermeasure suggestions such as strengthening the platform privacy protection function, enhancing college students privacy protection education, and improving self-protection awareness are put forward, with a view to providing reference for building a safe and harmonious online social environment.

Analyzing Darknet Traffic: Examining how Tor Modifications Affect Onion Service Traffic Classification

The important work of classifying network traffic for control and monitoring is examined in this study. Data protection has taken centre stage as privacy concerns have grown over the last two decades. Online privacy is possible through the Tor network, which is well-known for enabling Onion Services and offering user anonymity. But the abuse of this anonymity—especially with Onion Services—has prompted the government to work on de-anonymizing users. In this work, we address three main goals: first, we achieve over 99% accuracy in distinguishing Onion Service traffic from other Tor traf- fic; second, we assess how well our methods perform in the event that Tor traffic is modified to hide information leaks; and third, we detect the utmost significant article integrations for our classification task. This study tackles issues related to privacy challenges and misuse concerns in network traffic analysis.

Power of Homomorphic Encryption in Secure Data Processing

Homomorphic encryption is a form of encryption that allows computations to be performed on encrypted data without first having to decrypt it. This paper presents a detailed discussion of HE, a critical component in the protection of data in today's technology-driven environment. First, homomorphic encryption and its terminology will be introduced and then development process from the beginning to the present state will be discussed. Different classes of homomorphic encryption and analysis of internal workings and architecture of homomorphic encryption will be discussed. The usefulness of this technology in ensuring privacy in sensitive areas is discussed, as well as the limitations that may hinder the technology's advancement, including computation intensity and data growth. The paper also reasserts the massive application of homomorphic encryption in data security and privacy, stressing the need to continue the advancement to overcome existing drawbacks and enhance the application of the technique. While moving vast distances within the digital arena, the optimization of homomorphic encryption remains the guiding light to our freedom and privacy online.

Does online privacy self-efficacy help promote e-participation for rights protection?

This paper focuses on the relationship between internet users’ online privacy self-efficacy and e-participation behaviour, which merits in-depth study but remains underexplored in the literature. Drawing upon a representative sample of Chinese citizens, this paper finds that online privacy self-efficacy is positively associated with e-participation for rights protection. Instrumental variable (IV) estimation and the propensity score matching (PSM) method are used to address concerns about endogeneity problems and self-selection bias. We also find that individuals’ perceptions of internet empowerment positively influence the relationship between online privacy self-efficacy and e-participation frequency. This paper proposes that the government further optimizes the online environment and improves internet users’ knowledge and skills related to online privacy protection to strengthen citizens’ orderly online participation.

Digital Transformation of Enterprises to Enhance Sustainability: How Does the Reputation of Digital Applications Influence the Attributes of E-Commerce

Driven by the increase in mobile applications, this study tests a conceptual model which links antecedents of Food delivery applications (FDApps) and their effect on electronic trust (eTrust) and electronic loyalty (eLoyal). By adopting a quantitative approach, we employed a self-administered questionnaire distributed among 501 regular users of FDApps. Partial least squares path modeling was used to test seven hypotheses including direct, moderating, and mediating effects. The findings reveal that eTrust significantly contributes to fostering eLoyal. Additionally, eTrust mediates the relationships between electronic privacy (ePriv), electronic security (eSec), electronic payment (ePay), usability (ULY), electronic innovativeness (eInnov), and eLoyal. Moreover, reputation (RTN) has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between eTrust and eLoyal. The research explores the core elements linked to FDApps, with the goal of improving their business and marketing strategies while increasing consumer satisfaction, thereby boosting repurchase intentions. Therefore, it provides FDApps with insights on the required elements linked to a higher eLoyal.

How users make online privacy decisions in work and personal contexts of use

With the rising usage of contactless work options since COVID-19, users increasingly share their personal data in digital tools at work. Using an experimental online vignette study (N = 93), we examined users’ willingness to use a video conferencing tool, while systematically varying the context of use (personal vs. low trustworthiness work vs. high trustworthiness work) and the type of information shared (low vs. medium vs. high sensitivity). We also assessed users’ perceived responsibility in work and personal contexts of use and their self-assessed digital competence. Our results highlight employer trustworthiness as an important factor in the willingness to use a third-party video conferencing tool, with increased willingness to use these tools in work contexts of use with high trustworthiness compared to those with low trustworthiness. This effect seems to be reduced when the data to be shared is of high sensitivity, compared to medium and low sensitivity data. Furthermore, despite reduced responsibility for data protection in work compared to personal contexts of use, the willingness to use a video conferencing tool did not decrease between trustworthy work and personal contexts of use. We discuss our findings and their methodological implications for future research and derive implications for privacy decisions at work.

The Emerging Challenges of Customer Relationship Management with Customer Data Platforms (CDP): Constraints and Perspectives

Customers today are increasingly demanding a personalized shopping experience, coupled with stringent data security measures and prompt responses. As the landscape of online privacy evolves, particularly with the anticipated sunset of third-party cookies by 2024, businesses face a critical imperative to revamp their customer data management strategies. The emergence of Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) stands out as a pivotal solution in this evolving ecosystem. This article undertakes a detailed critique of CDPs, starting with insights gathered from both users and industry experts, and subsequently examining consumer perceptions and behaviors in the digital realm. At the heart of contemporary consumer expectations lies the desire for tailor-made interactions that reflect their preferences and behaviors. This demand necessitates robust data management tools capable of aggregating, analyzing, and activating customer data across multiple touchpoints. CDPs have emerged as a central tool in this endeavor, offering businesses a unified platform to integrate disparate data sources and derive actionable insights in real-time. By leveraging comprehensive customer profiles built from first-party data, CDPs enable businesses to deliver personalized experiences that foster customer loyalty and drive revenue growth. Moreover, the impending demise of third-party cookies, compounded by stringent data protection regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), underscores the urgency for businesses to adopt privacy-centric data practices. CDPs play a crucial role in this paradigm shift by empowering businesses to ethically collect and utilize customer data, thereby enhancing transparency and trust. However, challenges persist, including the complexity of integrating CDPs into existing infrastructures and ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks. From a consumer standpoint, attitudes towards data privacy are evolving, with an increasing emphasis on transparency and control over personal information. Consumers are more inclined to engage with brands that demonstrate a commitment to data security and ethical data usage practices. This shift necessitates a nuanced approach from businesses using CDPs, emphasizing not only personalization but also data protection and consent management. While CDPs offer substantial benefits in navigating the complexities of modern data management and meeting consumer expectations for personalized experiences, their successful implementation hinges on addressing technical, regulatory, and ethical considerations. By doing so, businesses can not only adapt to the evolving landscape of digital privacy but also foster enduring customer relationships grounded in trust and mutual value.

Decision-making model in digital commerce: electronic trust-based purchasing intention through online food delivery applications (OFDAs)

PurposeThis research aimed to raise awareness about the need for safety measures and features of online food delivery applications (OFDAs) to build electronic trust (e-trust) with augmented purchase intention among customers. Moreover, this study explores the attributes of electronic commerce (e-commerce) and how e-trust influences the purchasing intention of consumers while ordering food through OFDAs including fear of contagious diseases. Determinants of e-commerce in the digital era profoundly impact the performance of enterprises.Design/methodology/approachData from 493 food consumers collected from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Pakistan, who were regular users of OFDAs. To scrutinize the dataset, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the construct validity in this research study. Structural equation modeling (SEM), which is facilitated by Smart-PLS, was employed to examine the direct, moderation and mediation effects of the proposed model.FindingsResults revealed the positive and significant impact of the e-trust on the purchase intention. Additionally, e-trust acted as a mediating factor in the connection between electronic security (e-security), electronic privacy (e-privacy), usability, electronic payment (e-payment), electronic innovativeness (e-innovativeness) and the buyer's purchase intention. Furthermore, the fear of contagious viruses negatively moderated the e-trust and purchase intention that weakened buying behavior.Originality/valueThis research is primarily centered on enhancing the comprehension regarding safety orientation within the context of an evolving restaurant industry. The findings of this study hold substantial contributions for academics, web developers, application designers, OFDAs, restaurants and other businesses since they indicate the attractiveness of OFDAs in generating feelings of pleasure and boosting users' intentions to keep using the application.

The Online Privacy Divide: Testing Resource and Identity Explanations for Racial/Ethnic Differences in Privacy Concerns and Privacy Management Behaviors on Social Media

The Online Privacy Divide: Testing Resource and Identity Explanations for Racial/Ethnic Differences in Privacy Concerns and Privacy Management Behaviors on Social Media

Privacy? What’s that? Differences in privacy boundaries

PurposeWhile research on privacy concerns is rich in understanding and depth, there is still not a clear understanding of why people express having privacy concerns, but do not behave consistently with their concern. We propose that this misalignment derives from a diverse set of privacy boundaries, depending on the user. This research builds on prior Communication Privacy Management Theory research to further define individual privacy boundaries. Beyond that, we evaluate the relationship between the privacy boundaries people set, and their ability to protect themselves.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted to assess how private individuals find twenty items. Along with measuring the sensitivity of information, we collected responses on the Online Privacy Information Literacy test to measure differences in sensitivity based on privacy knowledge. 285 participant’s responses were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis and K-means clustering.FindingsWe identify five different groups of privacy indicators. Our findings also suggest that users have limited understanding of how to keep data private, even if they have high privacy concerns.Originality/valueWe contribute to theory by offering guidance on how to better apply theoretical understanding, based on our results. More explicitly, we offer analysis that suggests boundary conditions might be absent from current theoretical understanding. Practically, we offer guidance for understanding privacy differences, which is important to understanding how to implement privacy protection laws.

Privacy and safety of narrowband internet of things devices

Privacy and safety of narrowband internet of things devices

A Digital Trail of Rupture. The German Film Exile 1933-1945 in the Data of Günter Peter Straschek

How can digital humanities methods reveal the productivity and connectedness of a group of historical individuals linked by displacement from a country? German film exile during National Socialism, 1933-1945, has always been a complex subject to research because of the scattered nature of the sources in the international distribution of archives (Asper, Horak, Hilchenbach). It remains challenging to reconstruct the worldwide dispersed separate flight routes of more than 3000 individuals who worked for the German film industry before 1933. This contribution concerns a list of film exiles collected by the exile researcher and filmmaker Günter Peter Straschek (1942-2009), whose collection of files belongs to the German National Library, German Exile Archive 1933-1945, Frankfurt am Main and was inventoried according to their Normdata. To this end, a database of GND exile data containing names, birth and death dates, professions, and countries of exile was compiled and enriched with data from online resources (Wikidata and IMDb). How can a more comprehensive look at the data reveal the devastating loss for German film (2) and, on the other hand, the collaboration on the flight (3) showing exiles remaining defiant? By incorporating new data from the Straschek Estate, digital methods further enhance historical research findings.

Use of Digital Platforms Among University Students: A Systematic Literature Review

Digital platforms have a high potential for supporting learning processes, especially in higher education. However, there appears to be a limited systematic review of research on the application of digital platforms in higher education. Using a systematic approach, this study analyzes previous research on digital platforms and how these technologies assist university students in their studies and the challenges involved. Examining 76 relevant articles from Scopus, Emerald Insight and ProQuest databases, the findings demonstrate that students' personal development could be accelerated by the practical application of technology through digital learning platforms. Furthermore, by utilizing digital channels, the COVID-19 epidemic has highlighted how crucial strategic management and flexibility are to the higher education sector. The study identified two main themes: digital platforms that support students’ learning and challenges associated with the deployment of digital platforms. Various unexplored areas on the use of digital platforms among university students are highlighted in the study. The review further recommends higher education institutions to offer digital literacy programs that educate students and faculty on using digital platforms, online privacy and data protection.

Effects of artificial light on foraging behavior of the Pacific Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys agilis)

Abstract Artificial light at night is increasingly recognized as a cause of habitat degradation, and as a conservation threat to wildlife species. We studied the behavioral response of Pacific kangaroo rats (Dipodomys agilis) to natural and artificial light in coastal sage scrub in southern California, United States. We used digital trail cameras to monitor visits to seed trays in shrub and open, intershrub microhabitats. Under natural-light conditions, kangaroo rats were more active on full- than new-moon nights, and concentrated foraging beneath shrubs. Surprisingly, kangaroo rats frequently interacted with other rodents in seed trays. Near to an artificial light source, kangaroo rats removed fewer seeds, had fewer foraging bouts, and spent less time in trays—especially in brightly lit open microhabitats—compared to distances farther from the light. Differences between the first and second nights of trials during both experiments suggested that kangaroo rats learned locations of resource-rich seed trays and modified their behavior accordingly. Our results are similar to recent studies showing that artificial light depresses foraging activity of rodents in the areas of highest illumination, and adds to evidence of the need to mitigate impacts of urban lighting in fragments of coastal sage scrub, especially along the urban–wildland interface.