A study on information privacy concerns and expectations of demographic groups in South Africa

Globally, there is growing concern over transparency and fairness when processing personal information and upholding the privacy of individuals. South Africa faces specific challenges in defining and implementing privacy policies and guidelines while meeting individuals’ expectations as to how their personal information is handled. There is limited data available about individual concerns and expectations for privacy in South Africa across demographic groups. Such data can aid in informing privacy policies and guidelines and addressing differences and sensitivity among demographical groups concerning information privacy. This paper explores the information privacy concerns and expectations of individuals in South Africa. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey using the Information Privacy Concern Instrument (IPCI) that was developed in previous studies in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) No. 4 of 2013 of South Africa. Privacy concern was found to be high in South Africa, while confidence in organisations meeting data privacy principles was low. Statistically significant differences showed that older participants, females and white participants had higher privacy expectations than Generation Y participants, males and black participants, who were more confident that organisations were meeting privacy principles. A visual index for information privacy concerns and expectations is proposed to comprehend it across demographic groups and to monitor change going forward. The recommendations provided can serve as input for further development of privacy guidelines by stakeholders such as the South African Information Protection Regulator and responsible parties handling personal information while considering differences among demographical groups in South Africa concerning information privacy.