CHOICE AND CONTROL: AN ANALYSIS OF PRIVACY VALUES AND PRIVACY CONTROLS

Abstract

There is incredible and intrinsic, though hidden, power in technology settings, including those set by online platforms. The hidden levers of control embedded within the default settings influence users’ overall experience on platforms and with technology, especially in regard to issues of privacy and security. This paper examines the embedded assumptions and implications of technology and technical design on society. To this end, this study addresses the role and power of social media platforms in developing and applying privacy and security policies and norms for their users. The privacy and security choices by social media platforms affect billions of users worldwide. Further, this study will consider how platforms’ public-facing rhetoric aligns or differs with the actual implementation of privacy policies and privacy and security user settings. The implications of this research may have profound impact in the governance, policy, and regulation of platforms.