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SoSe 16: Economics of Privacy

Leyla Dogruel

Kommentar

With the rapid diffusion of internet and digital technologies, both potential threads as well the protection of personal information has developed into one of the most relevant topics in today’s networked society. The exploitation of personal (private) information and use-related data is considered a key element for information and communication service providers in developing business models such as targeted marketing and advertising strategies. Meanwhile even media consumers are aware of the fact that free-to-use media content and communication services (e.g. social community platforms, journalistic content, apps) do not come at no cost but with sometimes a considerable restricted control of their own data. As a result and from a (media) economic standpoint both personal and use related data as well as their protection (privacy) can be attributed an economic value. Further and from a policy perspective the protection of privacy is considered a basic human right that needs to be protected from potential infringements.

Given this background the seminar will focus on assessing and analyzing the economic value and consequences of information sharing and privacy in digital, online contexts. Based on economic approaches but also insights from behavioral science it will be discussed in how far consumers are able to make informed decisions about their privacy and what mechanisms impact on this ability (e.g. asymmetric information, opposing interest of platform or service providers and users, biases in perception and decision making). In a second step participants will carry out research projects that focus on either economic or policy related dimensions of privacy: From an economic standpoint consumers’ privacy related understanding, the perception of consequences, benefits and costs related with data sharing and securing private information will be explored. From a policy standpoint projects will analyze in how far existing regulations such as privacy policies but also further instruments such soft paternalism (e.g. nudges) are considered eligible tools to address privacy protection.

This course is designed as a research seminar. Participants are expected to regularly attend the seminar and they are required to conduct a self-administered project in research teams. Course language is English. Schließen

13 Termine

Regelmäßige Termine der Lehrveranstaltung

Mo, 14:00 - 16:00 13 Termine

Mo, 18.04.2016 14:00 - 16:00

Dozenten:
Leyla Dogruel