In 2012 the IIC commissioned qualitative research in four countries (Canada, China, Germany and the US) to examine evidence-based insights into individual “mental models” regarding personal data: i.e. what factors impact individuals’ sensitivity to the collection, access, and use of their personal data, what are the perceived risks, and how willing are they to manage their data.
The research was funded by the Microsoft Corporation.
The purpose was to assist the discussion about the development of a regulatory framework which answers the concerns of, and offers protection to, users of digital services while allowing for the evolution of technologies and the societal and economic benefits they can bring.
The findings showed that the benefits of the digital services on offer outweigh significantly any perception of the potential for harm, or even concerns about possible risks. Many of the participants interviewed (all of whom were users of online technologies) accept a level of both personal accountability and personal responsibility for what they put online. Indeed most of them adopt a range of strategies to limit the sharing of sensitive data, such as creating multiple identities for different uses or inputting false data.
Nonetheless the study also indicated user-participants’ acceptance of the fact that control is largely relinquished once personal data are put online. It provides a view, from the user’s perspective, of the actions stakeholders can take to mitigate their concerns about having to place so much trust in the services to which they have given data.
For more information:
Click here to download the report.
Click here to download the Appendix B Details Research Survey Results
In 2012 the IIC commissioned qualitative research in four countries (Canada, China, Germany and the US) to examine evidence-based insights into individual “mental models” regarding personal data: i.e. what factors impact individuals’ sensitivity to the collection, access, and use of their personal data, what are the perceived risks, and how willing are they to manage their data.
- Theme:
- Privacy, Safety, Security
- Region:
- Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe
