TY - JOUR

T1 - Restoring balance : how history tilts the scales against privacy : an actor-network theory investigation.

AU - Bonner, Bill

AU - Chiasson, Mike

AU - Gopal, Abhijit

PY - 2009/4

Y1 - 2009/4

N2 - In this paper we problematize the metaphor of balance employed in the area of information privacy. Using Actor-Network Theory we conduct an historical investigation into the continuous release of the same personal data over the course of eight decades. Through the examination of actual enactments of balance over time we find that, in practice, balancing acts are conducted at local levels by local actor-networks within organizations, with limited overall organizational knowledge, raising challenges around interpreting statements made by organizational spokespersons. We also find a surprising lack of knowledge possessed by these local actor-networks about what is subsequently done with personal data and the extent to which networks that extend beyond the organization gravitate towards and form around available data. Through tracing and revealing this historical Actor-Network Theory investigation provides a means of probing and examining actual acts of balance in the area of information privacy and, through revelation, aid in the creation of the possibility of bringing the act of balance more in line with the concept.

AB - In this paper we problematize the metaphor of balance employed in the area of information privacy. Using Actor-Network Theory we conduct an historical investigation into the continuous release of the same personal data over the course of eight decades. Through the examination of actual enactments of balance over time we find that, in practice, balancing acts are conducted at local levels by local actor-networks within organizations, with limited overall organizational knowledge, raising challenges around interpreting statements made by organizational spokespersons. We also find a surprising lack of knowledge possessed by these local actor-networks about what is subsequently done with personal data and the extent to which networks that extend beyond the organization gravitate towards and form around available data. Through tracing and revealing this historical Actor-Network Theory investigation provides a means of probing and examining actual acts of balance in the area of information privacy and, through revelation, aid in the creation of the possibility of bringing the act of balance more in line with the concept.

KW - Privacy

KW - Balance

KW - Actor-Network Theory

KW - History

KW - Historical investigation

KW - Fair information principles

U2 - 10.1016/j.infoandorg.2008.12.001

DO - 10.1016/j.infoandorg.2008.12.001

M3 - Journal article

VL - 19

SP - 84

EP - 102

JO - Information and Organization

JF - Information and Organization

SN - 1471-7727

IS - 2

ER -