Risk Perception and Privacy Regulation Preferences From a Cross-Cultural Perspective. A Qualitative Study Among German and U.S. Smartphone Users

Authors

  • Leyla Dogruel Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
  • Sven Joeckel University of Erfurt

Keywords:

online privacy, privacy regulation, privacy risks, privacy preferences comparative research

Abstract

Following the notion that both individual privacy attitudes and (national) privacy regulation need to be addressed when understanding the privacy governance system, this article focuses on the relationship between information privacy risk perceptions and regulation preferences in two regulatory systems: Germany and the United States. Empirically, the study relies on semistructured interviews with German and U.S. smartphone users (N = 55). We analyze privacy risk perceptions and perceived control over privacy (RQ1), carving out four domains of privacy risks (governmental, criminal, and commercial misuse, as well as social risks). Furthermore, we focus on preferences for privacy regulation (RQ2), investigating preference for do-it-yourself privacy, as well as state- and market-based regulation. Findings support the notion that while privacy risks are shared among German and U.S. participants, U.S. users feel more in control over their data. A discrepancy between German and U.S. users with respect to their preferences for state- versus market-based regulation also exists.

Author Biographies

Leyla Dogruel, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz

phd in communication in 2013, current position as an assistant professor for communication scienceRisk perception and privacy regulation preferences from a cross-cultural perspective. A qualitative study among German and US media users

Sven Joeckel, University of Erfurt

phd in 2008 in communication, current position as a professor for communication with a special focus on children, adolescent and the media

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Published

2019-04-14

Issue

Vol. 13 (2019)

Section

Articles

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