Understanding smartphone users’ app usage with restricted permissions

Datos Bibliográficos

ID7155688
AutoresHaroon Iqbal Maseeh (0000-0002-0067-4086, Griffith University), Charles Jebarajakirthy (0000-0002-6814-257X, Griffith University), Achchuthan Sivapalan (0000-0003-1064-5016, University of Jaffna), Mitchell Ro (0000-0002-6449-1350, Griffith University), Mitchell Ross, Mehak Rehman (0000-0002-5312-6059, Griffith University)
Año2025
Volumen38
Número2
Páginas1045-1088
Fecha de publicación2025-03-14
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInformation Technology and People (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0959-3845 • E-ISSN: 1758-5813
EditorialEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/itp-03-2022-0200
OpenAlexW4393233822
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas122

Purpose Smartphone apps collect users' personal information, which triggers privacy concerns for app users. Consequently, app users restrict apps from accessing their personal information. This may impact the effectiveness of in-app advertising. However, research has not yet demonstrated what factors impact app users' decisions to use apps with restricted permissions. This study is aimed to bridge this gap. Design/methodology/approach Using a quantitative research method, the authors collected the data from 384 app users via a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using AMOS and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Findings The findings suggest privacy concerns and risks have a significant positive effect on app usage with restricted permissions, whilst reputation, trust and perceived benefits have significant negative impact on it. Some app-related factors, such as the number of apps installed and type of apps, also impact app usage with restricted permissions. Practical implications Based on the findings, the authors provided several implications for app stores, app developers and app marketers. Originality/value This study examines the factors that influence smartphone users' decisions to use apps with restricted permission requests. By doing this, the authors' study contributes to the consumer behaviour literature in the context of smartphone app usage. Also, by explaining the underlying mechanisms through which the principles of communication privacy management theory operate in smartphone app context, the authors' research contributes to the communication privacy management theory

Business · Internet privacy · Mobile apps · Smartphone app · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Digital Platforms and Economics · Green IT and Sustainability · Privacy, Security, and Data Protection