A critical analysis of Google's behavior towards its users in relation to the EU Data Protection Act and the US Safe Harbour Act

Bachelor Thesis , 2009 , 59 Pages , Grade: 2,1

Computer Science - IT-Security

The researcher chose the title “A critical analysis of Google‘s behaviour towards its users in relation to the European Data Protection Act and the United States Safe Harbor Act“ because Google is under the criticism of experts, institutions as well as governments of infringing several data protection acts.
The purpose of the project is to analyse to what extent Google is infringing the European Data Protection Act of 12 July, 2002 and/or the United States Safe Harbor Act of July, 2000 (as well as any other EU and US laws that apply) and to analyse to what extent Google users are aware of the criticisms surrounding Google.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Chapter one: Introduction
  • The rationale for this research
  • The aim and objectives of this research
  • Chapter overview
• Chapter two: literature review
  • The internet
  • Data protection: Google is cumming under critcism
  • Privacy
• Chapter three: methodology
  • Key concepts of research
    • Validity
    • Triangulation
    • Reliability
  • Research families
    • Qualitative and quantitative data
    • Primary data
    • Secondary data (Desk research)
  • Research Methods
    • Questionnaires
    • Experiments
    • Focus Groups
  • Ethical issues
• Chapter four: analysis of primary and secondary research findings
  • Identification of reasons why Google is, despite criticism so popular
    • Google's story of success
    • Reasons for Google's success

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This dissertation aims to analyze the extent to which Google's practices infringe upon the European Data Protection Act of 2002 and the United States Safe Harbor Act of 2000, considering other relevant EU and US laws. It also explores the awareness of Google users regarding the criticisms surrounding the company's data practices.

• Google's compliance with data protection laws
• The impact of criticism on Google's user base
• The role of Google's brand and user experience in mitigating criticisms
• The extent of user awareness concerning privacy concerns surrounding Google
• The relationship between Google's business practices and data protection regulations

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Chapter one introduces the rationale for this research, outlining its aim and objectives. Chapter two delves into the literature review, exploring the context of the internet, data protection concerns surrounding Google, and the issue of privacy. Chapter three outlines the methodology employed, including key concepts, research families, methods, and ethical considerations. Finally, chapter four analyzes primary and secondary research findings, focusing on the reasons behind Google's popularity despite the criticisms.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This dissertation explores key concepts such as data protection, privacy, Google's business practices, user awareness, and compliance with relevant EU and US laws. It examines the interplay between online platforms, user behavior, and regulatory frameworks.

• College: New College Durham
• Grade: 2,1
• Author: Sven Elmers (Author)
• Publication Year: 2009
• Pages: 59
• Catalog Number: V181275
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656042501
• ISBN (Book): 9783656042334
• Language: English
• Tags: google, data, protection, safe, harbour