Emerald | Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society

Towards an alternative concept of privacy

Christian Fuchs — 2011-11-22 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – There are a lot of discussions about privacy in relation to contemporary communication systems (such as Facebook and other “social media” platforms), but discussions about privacy on the internet in most cases misses a profound understanding of the notion of privacy and where this notion is coming from. The purpose of this paper is to challenge the liberal notion of privacy and explore foundations of an alternative privacy conception. Design/methodology/approach – A typology of privacy definitions is elaborated based on Giddens' theory of structuration. The concept of privacy fetishism that is based on critical political economy is introduced. Limits of the liberal concept of privacy are discussed. This discussion is connected to the theories of Marx, Arendt and Habermas. Some foundations of an alternative privacy concept are outlined. Findings – The notion of privacy fetishism is introduced for criticizing naturalistic accounts of privacy. Marx and Engels have advanced four elements of the critique of the liberal privacy concept that were partly taken up by Arendt and Habermas: privacy as atomism that advances; possessive individualism that harms the public good; legitimizes and reproduces the capitalist class structure; and capitalist patriarchy. Research limitations/implications – Given the criticisms advanced in this paper, the need for an alternative, socialist privacy concept is ascertained and it is argued that privacy rights should be differentiated according to the position individuals occupy in the power structure, so that surveillance makes transparent wealth and income gaps and company's profits and privacy protects workers and consumers from capitalist domination. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the establishment of a concept of privacy that is grounded in critical political economy. Owing to the liberal bias of the privacy concept, the theorization of privacy has thus far been largely ignored in critical political economy. The paper contributes to illuminating this blind spot.

Seniors extend understanding of what constitutes universal values

Oliver K. Burmeister, John Weckert, Kirsty Williamson — 2011-11-22 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to add one further value to the previously articulated “universal values” and to describe the constituent components of three universal values. Design/methodology/approach – This interpretive/constructivist study of Australia's largest online community of seniors involved a 30-month ethnographic investigation. After an initial period of 11 months of observing social interaction on the entire site, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants, selected according to criterion sampling, a form of purposive sampling. Findings – Four key moral values were identified: equality, freedom, respect and trust. All of them had been found in other studies, with equality and respect (as human dignity) identified as universal values. The findings from this study suggest that freedom is another universal value. Originality/value – This study extends the understanding of universal values to include freedom. Further, it demonstrates the constituent components for freedom, and those of two other universal values previously identified in the literature, equality and human dignity, as well as revealing linkages between these three values.

The role of credibility in the design of mobile solutions to enhance the social skill-set of teenagers diagnosed with autism

Anne Gerdes, Peter Øhrstrøm — 2011-11-22 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – Helping Autism-diagnosed teenagers navigate and develop socially (HANDS) is an EU research project in progress. The aim of HANDS is to investigate the potential of persuasive technology as a tool to help young people diagnosed, to whatever degree, as autistic. The HANDS project set out to develop mobile ICT solutions to help young people with autism become more fully integrated into society and the purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the design behind the HANDS toolset. Design/methodology/approach – The topic of credibility is approached from an analytical, as well as an ethical, angle in order to address issues of credibility in relation to designing assistive technological tools. In addition, the authors set out to explore possible ways in which credibility can be evaluated. The paper presents a preliminary method for the evaluation of credibility; but which requires further refinement, as well as empirical support in order to inform us about issues of system credibility. Therefore, the suggested method reflects a working hypothesis which may serve as a springboard for further investigation. Findings – The authors propose a preliminary method which reveals the necessity of certain preconditions requisite for evaluating the credibility of a system; and, in this way, seek to establish an ethically sound evaluation procedure for analysing credibility, by combining quantitative (i.e. electronic footprints) and qualitative assessments (i.e. dialogue between teacher and learner) of system credibility. Research limitations/implications – Further investigation of the evaluation process is needed to develop a standard for resolving the credibility of a system. Naturally, such a standard would serve not only as a tool for measuring credibility but also as a didactic tool for scaffolding a pedagogic dialogue between teacher and learner. It becomes important, therefore, to undertake the task of developing this standard in collaboration with the teachers in the HANDS project. Originality/value – The paper discusses credibility issues and ethical concerns with a view to designing mobile solutions for autism-diagnosed teenagers. The ideas expressed and developed herein are applicable to many assistive, technological tools available to persons with special needs.

Mechanisms for stakeholder co-ordination in ICT and ageing

Rachel L. Finn, David Wright — 2011-11-22 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether existing organisations that seek to integrate a range of stakeholders (i.e. senior citizens, industry, academics, public authorities, civil society organisations and the media) in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) and ageing are adequately meeting the needs of each of these stakeholder groups, and to determine whether a new, or re-organised, mechanism is needed to better meet the needs of stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – The authors identify, describe, assess and compare the adequacy of various candidate multi-stakeholder mechanisms in order to improve stakeholder co-operation. Findings – The authors' principal finding is that the stakeholder co-ordination mechanisms discussed in this paper are not adequate to foster e-inclusion co-operation, co-ordination and collaboration among all different types of stakeholders. Practical implications – This analysis offers direction in how a new organisation, or the expansion of an existing mechanism, could ensure that currently un-met needs are addressed. The strengths and weaknesses of the stakeholder co-ordination mechanisms discussed here demonstrate that some organisational types are better for performing certain tasks and for integrating particular types of stakeholder. Thus, a federated, multi-dimensional organisation offers one possibility for addressing the needs of all different types of stakeholders. Originality/value – This paper provides an avenue of response to various calls for closer stakeholder collaboration by the European Commission and other stakeholders, in order to improve the quality of life for older persons and to meet European social objectives.