Clearing the hurdles: How to design privacy nudges for mobile application users

Abstract

Many smartphone apps pose a privacy risk to their users and use sensitive data, which is not visible during daily app usage. App permissions are accessible but not comprehensible for average users, thus leading to information asymmetry between app providers and users. We want to minimize information asymmetries by making app information flows visible and understandable. To determine the information needed and how it should be presented, a survey (N = 227) and a laboratory study (N = 31) were conducted. In sum, users desired a credible tool that shows, explains and valuates information flows of apps. Furthermore, it should provide options to act in a privacy protective way. This led to a framework of user requirements, which can guide the development of analytic tools and nudge mobile application users towards privacy, make informed privacy decisions, and possibly change apps from the provider side.