In a thought-provoking article published in the Journal of Business Ethics, Susanne Ruckelshausen, Bernadette Kamleitner, and Vincent Mitchell investigate the ethical dilemmas surrounding the sharing of others‘ data through apps. Many consumers agree to app requests for access to their contacts or photos, unknowingly or disregarding the fact that this also grants access to others‘ information, thus infringing on their privacy.
Using the theory of neutralization, the researchers explore how individuals justify this behavior and the norms that are developing around it. Their studies reveal a notable moral discrepancy: offenders, those who share the data, often acknowledge their moral wrongdoing more readily than victims, those whose data is shared, perceive. This moral disagreement remains consistent across various samples and app types, but it diminishes when people are informed about how easily others‘ data can be protected.
These findings highlight the ethical complexities of digital consent and suggest important considerations for businesses, consumers, and policymakers aiming to protect information privacy. The research emphasizes the need for greater awareness and clearer norms to guide ethical behavior in the digital age.