VR privacy concerns

VR privacy concerns pertain to the issues, challenges, and potential threats related to the privacy of individuals while using virtual reality (VR) systems. As VR technology has progressed rapidly in the 21st century, so too have concerns about the potential infringement of user privacy. This pertains to how data is collected, stored, and shared by VR systems, and how these practices can impact users' privacy rights.

Background

Virtual reality technology has grown substantially since its inception, moving from a niche technology to a mainstream consumer product. As the user base has grown, so too has the amount of personal data collected by these systems. This data often includes not only traditional digital data but also biometric data such as hand movements, gaze tracking, and even heart rate.[1]

Data collection in VR

The nature of VR technology means that it can gather a wide range of data about its users. This can include obvious information such as usernames and account information, but also extends to more personal data like physical movements, interaction habits, and responses to virtual environments. In addition, advanced VR systems can capture biometric data like voice patterns, eye movements, and physiological responses to VR experiences.[2][3]

This data can be used to improve VR systems, to provide personalized experiences, or to collect demographic information for marketing purposes. However, it also raises significant privacy concerns, especially when this data is stored, shared, or sold without the user's explicit consent.[4]

As of 2021, there are no specific laws that directly govern VR privacy issues. However, existing data protection and privacy laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU, and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States, can be applied to VR. These regulations require companies to disclose how they collect and use data, and give users a degree of control over their personal information.[5]

Despite these regulations, enforcing privacy laws in VR can be challenging due to the global nature of the technology and the vast amounts of data collected.[6]

Examples of VR privacy concerns

Although a limited VR popularity may limit the range of possible risks, below are the examples of those already discovered:[7][8]

  • Invasive Data Collection: As discussed above, VR systems can collect a vast array of user data, some of which can be deeply personal. If misused, this data could be used to infringe upon a user's privacy.
  • Data Security: As with any system that collects and stores personal data, there is always the risk of a data breach. In VR, this risk extends to the potential exposure of biometric data, which could have serious implications.
  • Consent: VR users might not be fully aware of the extent of data collection and usage when they agree to a service's terms and conditions. This can lead to an unwitting violation of their privacy rights.
  • Virtual Identity Theft: In VR, users can create detailed avatars and personas. There are concerns that malicious users could steal these virtual identities, leading to issues like harassment, stalking, and fraud.

See also

References
  1. Kokolakis, Spyros (2017-01-01). "Privacy attitudes and privacy behaviour: A review of current research on the privacy paradox phenomenon". Computers & Security. 64: 122–134. doi:10.1016/j.cose.2015.07.002. ISSN 0167-4048. S2CID 422308.
  2. Li, Yuan (2011). "Empirical Studies on Online Information Privacy Concerns: Literature Review and an Integrative Framework". Communications of the Association for Information Systems. 28. doi:10.17705/1CAIS.02828.
  3. Paine, Carina; Reips, Ulf-Dietrich; Stieger, Stefan; Joinson, Adam; Buchanan, Tom (2007-06-01). "Internet users' perceptions of 'privacy concerns' and 'privacy actions'". International Journal of Human-Computer Studies. 65 (6): 526–536. doi:10.1016/j.ijhcs.2006.12.001. ISSN 1071-5819.
  4. Pennsylvania State University; Xu, Heng; Dinev, Tamara; Florida Atlantic University; Smith, Jeff; Miami University; Hart, Paul; Florida Atlantic University (December 2011). "Information Privacy Concerns: Linking Individual Perceptions with Institutional Privacy Assurances". Journal of the Association for Information Systems. 12 (12): 798–824. doi:10.17705/1jais.00281.
  5. Li, Yuan (2011). "Empirical Studies on Online Information Privacy Concerns: Literature Review and an Integrative Framework". Communications of the Association for Information Systems. 28. doi:10.17705/1CAIS.02828.
  6. Baruh, Lemi; Secinti, Ekin; Cemalcilar, Zeynep (2017-01-17). "Online Privacy Concerns and Privacy Management: A Meta-Analytical Review". Journal of Communication. 67 (1): 26–53. doi:10.1111/jcom.12276. ISSN 0021-9916.
  7. Goldfarb, Avi; Tucker, Catherine (2012-05-01). "Shifts in Privacy Concerns". American Economic Review. 102 (3): 349–353. doi:10.1257/aer.102.3.349. hdl:1721.1/75861. ISSN 0002-8282.
  8. Hong, Weiyin; Thong, James Y. L. (2013-01-01). "Internet Privacy Concerns: An Integrated Conceptualization and Four Empirical Studies". MIS Quarterly. 37 (1): 275–298. doi:10.25300/misq/2013/37.1.12. ISSN 0276-7783.
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