On the role of informational privacy in connected vehicles: A privacy-aware acceptance modelling approach for connected vehicular services

Modern cars are becoming increasingly connected. While connectivity enhances the car’s functional portfolio, it fosters the relevance of information privacy in the private vehicle. This research paper sets out to elucidate the role of data disclosure in the acceptance of connected services in the car. Based on Davis’ Technology Acceptance Model, we postulate an acceptance model which accounts for informational privacy in the connected car. In a high-fidelity driving simulator study, 116 participants interacted with a connected parking service and subsequently responded to an acceptance questionnaire. Structural equation modelling revealed a significant influence of privacy-related factors on attitude towards using the system, which in turn directly influences usage intention. The results underscore the relevance of informational privacy for the acceptance of connected vehicular services.