Characterization and Quantification of User Privacy: Key Challenges, Regulations, and Future Directions

The protection of user privacy in the digital age has become an important concern with the increase in data-driven technologies. These technologies generate large amounts of user data that provide opportunities for organisations to improve the quality of their user services. The publication of user-generated data creates risks for exposing an individual’s privacy. In the literature, identity theft and attribute disclosure are the two most common attacks on user-generated data. These privacy issues require data publishing organisations to protect user privacy. International regulatory standards provide consistent frameworks and guidelines that data publishing organisations can use to secure user-sensitive data. This survey discusses the characterisation and quantification of user privacy in compliance with international regulatory standards. We provide an overview of existing regulations and frameworks related to user privacy, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and implications for individuals and businesses. We discuss the steps involved in characterising and quantifying user privacy within the framework of international regulatory standards, privacy tools, and real-world case studies. Furthermore, we share promising directions for future research and development, including advancements in privacy techniques, interdisciplinary collaborations, and the role of emerging technologies. By addressing these challenges and creating a way forward, this work aims to contribute to the ongoing research on user privacy and promote the development of effective strategies for safeguarding user personal data in an increasingly interconnected world.