Increasing Users’ Privacy Awareness in the Internet of Things: Design Space and Sample Scenarios

Abstract

An increasing number of devices and sensors in the environments we access daily are capable of collecting personal data about us. Surveillance cameras in public spaces, smart speakers in friends’ living rooms, or smartphones carried by individuals are just a few examples. At the same time, many users are unaware of sensors being in place, in particular, those deployed in unfamiliar environments. Hence, it becomes increasingly challenging for users to keep control over their personal data being tracked and/or processed. Crucially, for users to be able to make informed decisions and privacy choices, they first of all need to be aware of potential privacy intrusions in their surroundings. In this chapter, we address this by exploring means to increase users’ privacy awareness in the Internet of Things. In particular, we illustrate the design space for such privacy awareness mechanisms, including what information should be displayed, and how this information can be made accessible for various target groups such as (to-be) device owners or passers-by. We also introduce and compare three sample scenarios in which privacy awareness mechanisms can support users: (1) privacy-relevant information for purchase decisions, (2) on-demand privacy-relevant information for active device search, and (3) in situ privacy-relevant information and guidance. The chapter is complemented by a discussion on future approaches to raising privacy awareness.