Exercise Data Disclosure in Smart Environments

Designing ubiquitous services introduce a range of new fundamental problems related not only to technology but also to social, ethical and legal considerations, such as privacy protection, social cohesion and control. The goal of this study was to explore people’s perceptions of privacy in context of ubiquitous exercise environments, focusing on issues around personal data disclosure. In particular, we hope to identify the factors affecting to the peoples’ attitudes towards sharing their exercise and training data to external environments.

It was discovered that the participants had quite positive attitude towards collecting information trough ubiquitous devices. On the other hand, participants’ attitudes towards information sharing varied quite significantly; some of them were not willing to share information to any external environment in any conditions, but in contrast, some were willing to expose all the data to public without any restrictions. It was also found out that the sensitivity of the data affects to the decision related to data disclosure. Further, if there is a benefit included, such as improvement in health or wellbeing, money or time savings, people are more willing to disclose their personal information.

• People are most willing to disclose data to employer, occupational healthcare and municipal healthcare, apparently driven by expectations of improved health and wellbeing, and also by more personalized service.

• People are willing to disclose their data to insurance companies and the employer if provided with financial utility.