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Beyond the Banner: Understanding the Impact of Cookie Consent Interfaces on User Data Privacy Choices

Le, Hai LU and Nethala, Sirisha Sharon LU (2024) INFM10 20241
Department of Informatics
Abstract
Data protection regulations mandating explicit user consent for personal data collection have spurred the development of cookie consent interfaces. This study explores the factors influencing user experience with these interfaces and their impact on data privacy choices. Through qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with university students, several key factors emerged that shape users' interactions and decisions. The findings reveal that interface design significantly affects user understanding and decision-making. Clear language, readable formatting and accessible options empower users, while dark patterns can nudge them towards less privacy-protective choices. User characteristics, such as privacy attitudes and emotional... (More)
Data protection regulations mandating explicit user consent for personal data collection have spurred the development of cookie consent interfaces. This study explores the factors influencing user experience with these interfaces and their impact on data privacy choices. Through qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with university students, several key factors emerged that shape users' interactions and decisions. The findings reveal that interface design significantly affects user understanding and decision-making. Clear language, readable formatting and accessible options empower users, while dark patterns can nudge them towards less privacy-protective choices. User characteristics, such as privacy attitudes and emotional states as well as contextual factors such as time pressure also shape interactions. Based on these insights, guidelines are proposed for designing user-centric cookie consent interfaces that prioritise clarity, control and transparency. Recommendations include using plain language, presenting options clearly, avoiding nudging, enhancing visibility, addressing privacy literacy and maintaining consistency. The study highlights the critical role of cookie consent interface design in fostering informed user decisions and trust in an increasingly complex digital landscape. By adopting user-centric principles, cookie consent interfaces can effectively support users' data privacy rights. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Le, Hai LU and Nethala, Sirisha Sharon LU
supervisor
organization
course
INFM10 20241
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Data Privacy, Cookie Consent Interfaces, Consent Management
language
English
id
9159294
date added to LUP
2024-06-13 14:41:40
date last changed
2024-06-13 14:41:40
@misc{9159294,
  abstract     = {{Data protection regulations mandating explicit user consent for personal data collection have spurred the development of cookie consent interfaces. This study explores the factors influencing user experience with these interfaces and their impact on data privacy choices. Through qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with university students, several key factors emerged that shape users' interactions and decisions. The findings reveal that interface design significantly affects user understanding and decision-making. Clear language, readable formatting and accessible options empower users, while dark patterns can nudge them towards less privacy-protective choices. User characteristics, such as privacy attitudes and emotional states as well as contextual factors such as time pressure also shape interactions. Based on these insights, guidelines are proposed for designing user-centric cookie consent interfaces that prioritise clarity, control and transparency. Recommendations include using plain language, presenting options clearly, avoiding nudging, enhancing visibility, addressing privacy literacy and maintaining consistency. The study highlights the critical role of cookie consent interface design in fostering informed user decisions and trust in an increasingly complex digital landscape. By adopting user-centric principles, cookie consent interfaces can effectively support users' data privacy rights.}},
  author       = {{Le, Hai and Nethala, Sirisha Sharon}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Beyond the Banner: Understanding the Impact of Cookie Consent Interfaces on User Data Privacy Choices}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}