Understanding Sensitivity by Analyzing Anonymity [Guest editor's introduction]

We can infer user privacy preferences and expectations by observing how people use existing product features. An analysis of how users employ anonymity features on Quora, a question-and-answer site, shows that the range of topics they consider sensitive is much broader than what service providers or regulators typically deem sensitive. A data-driven approach can help online services improve their products by developing features that let users express and exercise privacy preferences more effectively.