Consumer perception and behaviour to privacy policy on whatsApp and other apps

Abstract

In today’s world, data has become an important resource. The one who has data is considered very powerful. Companies are actively trying to collect all kinds of data, especially that of users. This is done through various ways, the major sources being free services and other services that involve the internet. These services stay free or even become possible to exist by selling the collected data to third parties and by becoming platforms for targeted ads. The current environment is such that almost every app or website we use, collect data of different kinds. This has caused increased paranoia among people. People fear being constantly being surveilled all the time and the kind of information being shared. Fear also of how this data would be used. This has become a real concern since Edward Snowden exposed the mass surveillance of US citizens by the government under the pretext of national security. Even if the possibility of sensitive data collected for malicious use is minimal, there is always the fear of such data going or leaking to the wrong people and being used against individuals. It can cause anything from minor incontinence like getting more ads and calls targeted directly to one, to major life-threatening incidents like scams, framed wrongly or home invasion. The outing of life secrets that one is not comfortable sharing. All these problems though real but do not all the time. Sometimes the paranoia is more than necessary. This data sharing has made many of the beloved and life-changing services possible, free and easy to use. To be able to connect to anyone, have any information and getting things done instantly and remotely. These services have become an inseparable part of people’s lives. Now the question to ask is how much people are really scared of data sharing and of what kind. And understand what tradeoffs they are willing to make in terms of services they get. How aware are people of the data being collected and how are they acting to minimize it. Finally get the answer, what is the price for convenience.