Privacy Concerns of Visually Impaired Individuals

When the average tech user is worried about privacy, they are able to default to privacy-enhancing behaviours such as darker screens and multiple layers of authentication. This isn’t the same for visually impaired individuals(VIPs), as existing end-user privacy tools are often designed without considering their specific needs and limitations, making these tools inaccessible. This lack of accessible design leaves people with disabilities more vulnerable to various privacy threats in both online and offline environments.

Privacy Concerns and Challenges

People with visual impairments face unique privacy challenges, including difficulties in detecting visual or aural eavesdropping, physical privacy and security concerns (e.g., using ATMs), and the necessity of asking others for help with tasks like reading documents or typing PINs, which can expose private information. They also express concerns about the privacy implications of using screen readers and screen magnifiers in public spaces due to potential aural eavesdropping. As bystanders, they cannot visually detect cameras in their surroundings, making them particularly vulnerable to being captured without their awareness or consent.

Visually impaired bystanders often have lower privacy expectations around camera-based technology due to their inability to detect and control these devices visually. While sighted bystanders might be more concerned about certain devices like smartglasses, visually impaired individuals' comfort levels can vary based on the device type, the user of the camera (acquaintance vs. stranger), and the location (public vs. private). Notably, trust in acquaintances plays a significant role in their comfort levels, and some may have a broader definition of public spaces where they expect less privacy.

"Friendsourcing" and seeking help from friends, family, or volunteers via assistive technologies can provide crucial support for visually impaired individuals. However, these practices also introduce privacy considerations related to the type of information shared, the trust placed in the helper, and the potential social costs of appearing dependent. While family members are often trusted more, visually impaired individuals may be hesitant to burden them or may prefer to maintain a sense of independence. Concerns about the privacy of background objects and the potential for unintended disclosure are also significant when seeking visual assistance.

Design Considerations For Creating Accessible Technologies

When these issues are examined critically, the absence of consideration in privacy starts to take on more layers, including social exclusion and the erosion of personal dignity. The ability to perform daily routines contributes to a stable mental state and a sense of trust and safety. However, this security should not come at the cost of their privacy or the privacy of others. Therefore, it is crucial to design these technologies in a way that humanises security by considering the context of use, the social dynamics involved, and the potential privacy implications for both the user and bystanders

Designing accessible privacy tools requires considering the broader context of users' lives and the potential trade-offs between privacy and other values like trust and independence. Value-sensitive design approaches can help identify and support the underlying values of underserved user groups. For visually impaired individuals, potential design considerations include providing non-visual cues about surrounding cameras (e.g., haptic feedback), allowing for user control over when and what is captured, ensuring privacy-preserving ways to seek assistance, and incorporating consent mechanisms.

Existing privacy mechanisms often make assumptions about users that do not hold for these populations, leading to significant challenges and increased vulnerability to privacy risks. Inclusion and representation in decision-making are crucial for ensuring that the needs and values of diverse user populations, especially underserved groups like people with disabilities, are adequately addressed.