Circles of Privacy

Abstract

Privacy is a complex construct: it is not all or nathing, it is based on contro over sharing and reuse, it can depend on context, and is organized in what is called "circles of privacy." Whether to share information is often not a real choice, since sharing is required for basic transactions such as obtaining utilities, services, or products. Furthermore, scale matters, and information assymetries can quickly create playing fields that are not level. Even in these bleak circumstances, there is reason for hope that we develop socio-technical systems that better align with our values.