Privacy on the Internet: An Empirical Study of Poles’ Attitudes

Abstract

The value system of Poles in terms of the phenomenon of privacy on the Internet was analysed. The following aspects were taken into account: privacy on the Internet as a moral value, privacy on the Internet as a subject of legal regulations (current or future) and actual actions taken by users to protect privacy. The differentiation of Polish society in terms of the three above-mentioned areas was also examined. Results were obtained on the basis of a quantitative empirical study conducted on a representative sample (N=1001) of adult Poles. The method of computer assisted telephone interviews (CATI) was used. Descriptive statistics and selected inductive statistics were used in the analyses. Intra-group differentiation was investigated using a method called two-step cluster analysis. Poles have low technical competences in the field of Internet privacy protection. This value is appreciated; however, it rarely translates into active protection of one’s own identity and information. A strong polarization of Poles’ attitudes towards the requirement to disclose their identity on the Internet was identified, as well as ensuring access to any user information by law enforcement agencies. Poles are willing to accept legal regulations preventing their profiling. We note a moderately strong negative attitude towards state institutions as a factor limiting privacy on the Internet and a significantly lower (but still negative) attitude towards Internet service providers. Poles differ in terms of attitudes towards privacy on the Internet (IT competences, age, education, gender, socioeconomic status and size of the place of residence).