The impact of privacy authorization framing in mobile apps on privacy disclosure: a regulatory focus approach

Purpose. In the digital age, the tension between mobile app users obtaining personalized services and granting privacy permissions has become increasingly pronounced. The behavioral drivers and mechanisms influencing privacy disclosure in the context of privacy permissions require further investigation. By focusing on users' privacy disclosure intentions, this study aims to assist app platforms in designing privacy permission content that aligns with consumers' diverse privacy preferences and psychological needs, providing theoretical guidance and references for efficient platform operation. Method. The study integrates the framing effect theory and regulatory focus theory, utilizing a 2 (gain frame vs. loss frame) × 2 (promotion focus vs. prevention focus) between-subjects design with 120 participants. It investigates the interactive effects of privacy authorization framing and regulatory focus on privacy disclosure intentions and examines the mediating roles of perceived value and anticipated regret in this relationship. Results. The interaction between privacy authorization framing and regulatory focus has a significant impact on consumers' privacy disclosure intentions. Conclusions. When privacy authorization framing aligns with an individual's regulatory focus, it enhances perceived value and reduces anticipated regret, thereby further reinforcing privacy disclosure intentions.