TRADEOFFS IN SURVEILLANCE AND PRIVACY TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

This thesis seeks a resolution to the aforementioned conflict by empirically investigating the IT artifacts central to the privacy-surveillance tradeoff in terms of their effectiveness in achieving both surveillance and privacy objectives. In Study One, we investigate the impact of surveillance technology in the context of an unmanned retail environment. By investigating the impact of surveillance technology on consumer behavior outcomes such as theft rate, approach rate, and conversion rate, we hope to better understand if surveillance technologies live up to the promises of improving net economic outcomes by delivering better security. In Study Two, we examine the effect of privacy-preserving features on user behavior in the context of COVID-19 digital contact tracing. We consider the possibility of surveillance technologies that achieve their surveillance objectives while preserving the privacy of its users by investigating the impact of privacy-preserving designs on user behavior.