Security, at what cost? A stated preference approach toward understanding individuals' privacy and civil liberties trade-offs regarding security measures

Abstract

In the presently heightened security environment there are a number of examples of policy that must strike a delicate balance between strengthening security without jeopardising public liberties and personal privacy. The introduction of national identity cards and biometric passports, the expansion of the national DNA database and cross-departmental sharing of personal data raise a number of privacy issues. Human rights may also be suspended by the exercise of stop-and-search powers by the police or detention of suspects prior to a trial. However, much of the current civil liberties versus security debate is adversarial and little robust research data informs these arguments. This paper outlines the results of a study that sought to objectively understand the real privacy, liberty and security trade-offs of individuals, so that policymakers can be better informed about individuals’ preferences in this area.