How Skilled Are Internet Users When it Comes to Online Privacy and Data Protection? Development and Validation of the Online Privacy Literacy Scale (OPLIS)

• In Event: Computer-Mediated Communication

Abstract

Online privacy literacy can be regarded as a requirement for successful informational self-determination and effective data protection on the internet. It has been argued, that a lack of privacy literacy may explain why users unwantedly self-disclose a considerable amount of personal information and do not deliberately regulate their privacy. Building upon prior research, we developed and validated the Online Privacy Literacy Scale (OPLIS), a comprehensive instrument for measuring users' literacy, assessing users' knowledge about (1) institutional practices, (2) technical aspects, (3) data protection laws, and (4) their ability to use privacy protection strategies. The final 24-item scale was validated in an online survey with a sample representative of German internet users (N=1,959). To construct a reliable and well performing scale, we used both item response theory (IRT) and structure equation modeling (SEM).

Authors

• Philipp K. Masur, University of Hohenheim

• Doris Teutsch, University of Hohenheim

• Sabine Trepte, U of Hohenheim