Data privacy-related behavior and concerns of activity tracking technology users from Germany and the USA

Abstract

PurposeThis investigation aims to examine the differences and similarities between activity tracking technology users from two regions (the USA and Germany) in their intended privacy-related behavior. The focus lies on data handling after hypothetical discontinuance of use, data protection and privacy policy seeking, and privacy concerns.Design/methodology/approachThe data was collected through an online survey in 2019. In order to identify significant differences between participants from Germany and the USA, the chi-squared test and the Mann–Whitney U test were applied.FindingsThe intensity of several privacy-related concerns was significantly different between the two groups. The majority of the participants did not inform themselves about the respective data privacy policies or terms and conditions before installing an activity tracking application. The majority of the German participants knew that they could request the deletion of all their collected data. In contrast, only 35% out of 68 participants from the US knew about this option.Research limitations/implicationsThis study intends to raise awareness about managing the collected health and fitness data after stopping to use activity tracking technologies. Furthermore, to reduce privacy and security concerns, the involvement of the government, companies and users is necessary to handle and share data more considerably and in a sustainable way.Originality/valueThis study sheds light on users of activity tracking technologies from a broad perspective (here, participants from the USA and Germany). It incorporates not only concerns and the privacy paradox but (intended) user behavior, including seeking information on data protection and privacy policy and handling data after hypothetical discontinuance of use of the technology.

Citizen's adoption intention toward contact tracing apps: An analysis using innovation resistance theory

“…The data privacy concerns (DPCs) are so eminent that they have led to specific regulations (e.g., in the United States, Data Accountability and Trust Act of 2009). A recent study on activity tracing applications has established that consumers have considerable importance to data privacy and the resulting usage behavior (Ilhan & Fietkiewicz, 2020). The foregone discussion reinforces the argument that DPCs are vital in adopting CTA.…”

Enhancing user awareness on inferences obtained from fitness trackers data

“…A survey with the goal to investigate the likeness and dissimilarities of fitness trackers users’ privacy attitudes from USA and Germany showed that the weight of a number of user privacy concerns varied considerably between the two groups (Ilhan and Fietkiewicz 2020 ). The introduction of the GDPR in the EU was the driving force for this study, and it has been shown that the European users are using their GDPR rights and have become more responsible of their data.…”

“…( 2018 ) A questionnaire where exploratory factor analysis is applied to investigate if there is a relationship between the intention of fitness tracker users to disclose personal data and to continue using the wearable device Users are more likely to continue using a fitness tracker if the anticipated benefits are surpassing their privacy concerns Third-party access to personal data, data used for other purposes than stated, devices collecting too much information, activity monitoring Fietkiewicz and Ilhan ( 2020 ) An online survey from EU and USA participants who are current, former or non-users of fitness tracking applications to determine their awareness of data collection and their privacy concerns Users who normally feel insecure about their online data privacy are also more likely to be concerned about the protection of the privacy of their data collected from fitness trackers Third-party access to personal data, profiling Zimmer et al. ( 2020 ) A survey and semi-structured interviews with fitness trackers users to determine the pros and cons that users notice from their interaction with their devices Users have low levels of privacy concerns, they find that the benefits of using a fitness tracker exceed any disadvantages, they do not perceive data collected from fitness trackers as sensitive and they are not aware of possible privacy threats Third-party access to personal data, third parties can use my data against me Ilhan and Fietkiewicz ( 2020 ) A survey on USA and Germany fitness trackers users to investigate the differences between the users’ privacy attitudes after the GDPR application in the EU EU users are more responsible of their data Third-party access to personal data, third parties can use my data against me, profiling Velykoivanenko et al. ( 2021 ) A longitudinal study, an online survey and interviews with fitness trackers users to comprehend how they perceive the privacy inference risks of these devices The participants are apprehensive of the types of information that might be inferred about them Third parties can use my data against me, damage to interpersonal relationships, inferring various types of information …”

Technology management in multi‐tier chains: A case study of agency in logistics service outsourcing

“…2 2 Contextually, it should be noted that users in German‐speaking Europe generally expect significantly more damage and attribute higher probability to privacy‐related violations than, e.g., U.S. users (Ilhan & Fietkiewicz, 2021). …”