An analysis of the behaviour of Spanish society regarding online privacy protection

Abstract

Privacy is a social phenomenon whose description has not get the attention it deserves, if considering the ever-growing disclosure and use of personal information in private and public relations. Drew on an online survey of 1,650 Spanish adults, this article asks which variables matter most in explaining privacy concerns and protecting-of-privacy behaviour. Previous negative experiences -either with security breaches or with being annoyed at the invasion of privacy- is the most significant variable in both cases. Other significant variables are related to online activity and expertise; demographic and socio-economic features only play a subordinate role.