Developing and validating a common body of knowledge for information privacy

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to present a common body of knowledge (CBK) for the field of information privacy, titled InfoPrivacy CBK. The purpose of the proposed CBK is to guide internet users to better understand the concept of information privacy and associate information privacy-related concepts. The InfoPrivacy CBK was created with an educational orientation to provide the basis for designing privacy awareness and training programs and organizing relevant educational material. Design/methodology/approach The proposed CBK for information privacy was developed conceptually and includes five domains and four levels of analysis. It is illustrated with conceptual maps. The authors identified a variety of concepts related to information privacy and created a set of categories to categorize the concepts. They used, as inclusion criteria, both theoretical and practical information privacy aspects, so that the developed CBK can address the challenges of modern technologies for preserving information privacy. Findings To validate and refine the conceptually developed CBK, the authors conducted an empirical research, in which seven information privacy experts participated. The experts commented largely positively for the structure and content of InfoPrivacy CBK, as well as for the extent to which it achieves the intended educational goals. Research limitations/implications The proposed InfoPrivacy CBK was validated by a limited number of information privacy experts, mainly due to the lengthy and in-depth participation that was required. Practical implications The InfoPrivacy CBK can be used primarily by privacy awareness and training programs developers, such as organizations, data protection officers, the state, educational policy makers and teachers. Social implications Internet users will benefit from InfoPrivacy CBK by acquiring knowledge and skills from theoretically grounded training programs, which can enhance their awareness and critical thinking on issues related to the protection of their information privacy. This will lead to more privacy-aware online societies, communities, networks, etc. Originality/value This work intends to bridge the existing gap in the literature through the creation of a novel CBK for information privacy; information privacy is a field for which no such research effort has been recorded. This paper offers important knowledge in the field of information privacy, which could be useful to both technological education designers and learners (students, employees, etc.).

Designing Dissemination and Validation of a Framework for Teaching Cloud Fundamentals

“…Validation of curricula often involves the participation of domain experts. Lavranou and Tsohou [36] present a common body of knowledge (CBK) for the field of information privacy, titled In-foPrivacy CBK. A CBK categorises the fundamental knowledge of a specific subject area and the proposed framework helps academics to develop the information privacy curriculum.…”

Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) for connected vehicles in smart cities

“…IoT can be applied on various application domains such as smart cities, smart vehicles, smart health, smart education, smart infrastructure, smart grids, and smart toys. Privacy is important in all of IoT applications, but the emphasis will be on different aspects of the individuals' privacy depending on the context of an application [4]. Patients' sensitive information about illnesses and diseases in smart health, information regarding individuals' attendance at their homes in smart homes, and information about the amount and type of energy people may use in smart grids are just few examples to demonstrate that privacy protection in IoT is a context-based subject.…”

“…PETs refer to specific methods that support individuals' privacy based on the law of data protection. PETs protect the privacy of personally identifiable information (PII) that provide by applications or services [4]. PETs try to eliminate personal data without the loss of functionality of the information system.…”

“…Privacy is important in all of IoT applications, but the emphasis will be on different aspects of the individuals' privacy depending on the context of an application. 4 Patients' sensitive information about illnesses and diseases in smart health, information regarding individuals' attendance at their homes in smart homes, and information about the amount and type of energy people may use in smart grids are just few examples to demonstrate that privacy protection in IoT is a context-based subject. Privacy in smart vehicles involves information about passengers, destinations, vehicle positions and situations, owners of the smart vehicle, energy consumption, and so on.…”

“…PETs protect the privacy of personally identifiable information that provide by applications or services. 4 PETs try to eliminate personal data without the loss of functionality of the information system. In simple words, PETs help users of technology to be assured about the confidentiality and integrity of their information by service providers.…”