New app to allow smartphone users to control data sharing

Smartphones can collect data on a daily basis about the activities and behaviour of their users. These data are extremely interesting for researchers to better understand society. But when sharing data, people are concerned about their privacy. Statistician at Utrecht University Bella Struminskaya wants to develop an app that gives smartphone users control over what data they share. NWO has awarded Struminskaya the Vidi grant of 800,000 euros to implement her research proposal.

With her Vidi grant, the Utrecht statistician wants to improve the methods of data collection of digital behavioural data. Struminskaya: "The rapid growth of big data produced by smartphones and smart devices is transforming social science research. For example, GPS and accelerometers can be used to measure mobility and physical activity. Social interactions can also be better studied by tracking smartphone use." The researcher indicates that such data measure behaviour more accurately than self-reports. But people are reluctant to share these data due to privacy concerns.

User control

The statistician indicates that willingness to share data increases when people have control over the data collection. "But at the moment such control is lacking in practice. The aim of my project is to develop new methods, for example a novel smartphone app, to give research participants control over the data they share, while at the same time guaranteeing a valid measurement for the researchers."

The app to be developed is a potential game changer for the Dutch research landscape.

Game changer

One of the reviewers of Struminskaya's research proposal called the app to be developed a potential game changer for the Dutch research landscape. The researcher herself hopes that her research will offer new opportunities to scientists who want to collect new types of data. Struminskaya: "I am passionate about applying the results of methodological research in practice. I am delighted that NWO has given me the opportunity to carry out this project."

In addition to Struminskaya, 12 other scientists from Utrecht University received a Vidi grant