Walking Away from the Robot: Negotiating Privacy with a Robot

Abstract

Privacy is often applied as an abstract concept in law and regulations. In everyday life, negotiating what information to share with whom, where, and at what times, and in what situations may be a challenge at home and in public space. We apply Palen and Dourish’s framework for understanding and discussing privacy to a setting of living with moving robots at home. We compare different ways sensors might be placed in a home environment, and what role proxemics, or motion technologies might have for the negotiation of privacy. By highlighting the role of the place and movement of the sensors, we discuss concrete privacy issues that are emerging with networked robot technologies at home. We hope to contribute new ways of thinking to users, designers, and analysts for creating and using mobile, networked technologies in domestic places.