Perception of Digital Privacy Protection: An Empirical Study using GDPR Framework

Perception of privacy is a contested concept, which is also evolving along with the rapid proliferation and expansion of technological advancements. Information systems (IS) applications incorporate various sensing infrastructures, high-speed networks, and computing components that enable pervasive data collection about people. Any digital privacy breach within such systems can result in harmful and far-reaching impacts on individuals and societies. Accordingly, IS organisations have a legal and ethical responsibility to respect and protect individuals’ digital privacy rights. This study investigates people’s perception of digital privacy protection of government data using the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) framework. Findings suggest a dichotomy of perception in protecting people’s privacy rights. For example, people perceive the right to be informed as the most respected and protected in Information Technology (IT) systems. On the contrary, the right to object by granting and with- drawing consent is perceived as the least protected. Second, the study shows evidence of a social dilemma in people’s perception of digital privacy based on their context and culture.