Simplification of Privacy Disclosures: An Experimental Test

27 Pages Posted: 7 Jan 2016 Last revised: 16 Nov 2017

See all articles by Omri Ben-Shahar

Omri Ben-Shahar

University of Chicago Law School

Adam Chilton

University of Chicago - Law School

Date Written: April 13, 2016

Abstract

Simplification of disclosures is widely regarded as an important goal and is increasingly mandated in a variety of areas. In the area of data privacy, lawmakers and interest groups developed “Best Practices” techniques to help consumers understand how firms collect and use personal information. Commentators have even advocated going a step further and using simpler disclosures — warning boxes that alert consumers to the least expected elements. But do these techniques succeed in better informing consumers or preventing unwise behavior? To answer this question, we engaged a leading market research firm to conduct a survey on risky sexual behaviors while randomizing the format of the privacy disclosures provided to the respondents. The results of the experiment suggest that best practices simplification techniques and warning boxes do not have the intended effects. We find little or no change in respondents’: (1) comprehension of the disclosure; (2) willingness to share personal information; and (3) expectations about their rights. Our results challenge the wisdom of focusing regulatory effort on simplifying disclosures.

Suggested Citation

Ben-Shahar, Omri and Chilton, Adam, Simplification of Privacy Disclosures: An Experimental Test (April 13, 2016). University of Chicago Coase-Sandor Institute for Law & Economics Research Paper No. 737, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2711474 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2711474

Omri Ben-Shahar (Contact Author)

University of Chicago Law School ( email )

1111 E. 60th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

Adam Chilton

University of Chicago - Law School ( email )

1111 E. 60th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.adamchilton.org

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