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This chapter explores young individuals’ attitude toward protection of personal data. Specifically, the discussion focuses on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the introduction of a property right over personal data. To this end, a total of 10 in-depth interviews were conducted with both Albanian and Italian college students. Transcribed data from the interviews were analyzed through thematic analysis. Four main themes emerged from the interviews: (i) distrust toward the way personal data are used online, (ii) no change in behavior after the introduction of GDPR, (iii) limited knowledge regarding terms and conditions of websites, and (iv) individual desire for more control over his/her data. In light of the research findings, the present contribution highlights that, despite the GDPR enhances individuals’ data protection and rights, there is an intention–behavior gap that has been labeled in the literature as “privacy paradox.” Furthermore, findings reveal that treating personal data as a property right has pros and cons.

Upon reading this chapter, the reader will understand

• How consumers perceive a privacy loss when exposed to retailers' big data analytics

• The role played by the social environment in terms of the opinions of relatives and friends largely influence how youth perceive the risk of privacy loss

• What makes the information about retailers' usage of data not entirely accessible by consumers

• Consumers perception of retailers' usage of their data

How consumers perceive a privacy loss when exposed to retailers' big data analytics

The role played by the social environment in terms of the opinions of relatives and friends largely influence how youth perceive the risk of privacy loss

What makes the information about retailers' usage of data not entirely accessible by consumers

Consumers perception of retailers' usage of their data

Nowadays, most of our activities and personal details are recorded by one entity or another. These data are used for many applications that fundamentally enrich our lives, such as navigation systems, social networks, search engines, and health monitoring. On the darker side of data collection lie usages that can harm us and threaten our sense of privacy. Marketing, as an academic field and corporate practice, has benefited tremendously from this era of data abundance, but has concurrently heightened the risk of associated harms.

In this chapter, we discuss both the great advantages and potential harms ushered in by this era of data collection, as well as ways to mitigate the harms while maintaining the benefits. Specifically, we propose and discuss classes of potential solutions: methods for collecting less data overall, transparency of code and models, federated learning, and identity management tools, among others. Some of these solutions can be implemented now, others require a longer horizon, but all can begin through the advocacy of marketing research. We also discuss possible ways to improve on the benefits of data collection – by developing methods to assist individuals pursue their long-term goals while advocating for privacy in such pursuits.

The management of consumer privacy has become a critical concern for organizations in the age of artificial intelligence–powered marketing. The impact of data on the market environment has brought both benefits and challenges, with marketers gaining valuable insights but also raising privacy concerns. As artificial intelligence–powered marketing advances, consumer vulnerability increases due to the sensitivity of collected data. This vulnerability leads some consumers to resort to falsifying information, posing a significant threat to the digital economy. Privacy empowerment and customer control play a vital role in addressing these challenges. This chapter explores the influencing factors and ethical considerations surrounding data falsification. It also discusses strategies to mitigate perceived vulnerability through privacy controls and explores the consequences of data breaches and customer vulnerability. The chapter further emphasizes the need for organizations to balance benefits, risks, and customer trust while harnessing the value of customer data. An ethical framework for data privacy marketing audits is proposed to help organizations assess their data practices responsibly and competitively. By integrating personal data protection strategies within an ethical framework, organizations can protect consumer privacy, enhance customer trust, and maintain their competitive edge in the market.

Purpose – The objectives of this study are to explore how consumers achieve, maintain, and/or regain privacy and to more fully understand the meaning consumers ascribe to privacy.

Methodology/approach – Image-elicited depth interviews were conducted on a theoretical sample of 23 informants.

Findings – Consumers are active participants who assert their dominance in the marketplace and resist organizational practices that impinge upon their privacy. Seven categories of privacy management practices were identified: withdraw, defend, feint, neutralize, attack, perception management, and reconcile. The findings also reveal that when informants desire privacy and engage in these practices, they are ultimately in a quest for the meta-goal of sovereignty over their respective personal domains.

Research limitations/implications – This study provides support for and expands upon knowledge of the privacy management practices identified in extant literature, and offers an encompassing conceptualization of privacy as it applies in the context of contemporary consumption.

Social implications – This study may assist policy makers and managers in their efforts to develop appropriate solutions to manage consumers’ privacy concerns and support them in their pursuit of privacy.

Originality/value of the paper – This study injects the voice of the consumer into the privacy debate. A broad theoretical framework for understanding what consumers mean when they talk about privacy and the practices they engage in to “do privacy” is presented. It is hoped that this study provides a basis for managing consumer privacy concerns and future research on the issue so that improved outcomes can be attained for all.

In light of the data economy, data protection law is a key legal element for being able to leverage data-driven innovation and is often regarded as a limitation for businesses and service design. Contrasting this traditional view, this chapter argues why designing with privacy in mind is a win-win situation, not only, but especially in the context of data-based services. On the backdrop of new regulations around the globe setting incentives, we show how research in the domain of usable privacy can be leveraged to embed innovative privacy features for customers into digital services as competitive advantage. Building upon these insights, we argue that a well-designed privacy and/or data protection process should be a key element for customer experience management.