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Are You Comfortable Sharing It?: Leveraging Image Obfuscation Techniques to Enhance Sharing Privacy for Blind and Visually Impaired Users

Satabdi Das, Nahian Beente Firuj, Manjot Singh, Arshad Nasser, Khalad Hasan

TL;DR

Evaluated image filtering techniques that could help BVI users manage sensitive content before sharing with various audiences, including family, friends, or strangers indicated that pixelation was the least preferred method, while preferences for other filters varied depending on image type and sharing context.

Abstract

People with Blind Visual Impairments (BVI) face unique challenges when sharing images, as these may accidentally contain sensitive or inappropriate content. In many instances, they are unaware of the potential risks associated with sharing such content, which can compromise their privacy and interpersonal relationships. To address this issue, we investigated image filtering techniques that could help BVI users manage sensitive content before sharing with various audiences, including family, friends, or strangers. We conducted a study with 20 BVI participants, evaluating different filters applied to images varying in sensitivity, such as personal moments or embarrassing shots. Results indicated that pixelation was the least preferred method, while preferences for other filters varied depending on image type and sharing context. Additionally, participants reported greater comfort when sharing filtered versus unfiltered images across audiences. Based on the results, we offer a set of design guidelines to enhance the image-sharing experience for BVI individuals.

Are You Comfortable Sharing It?: Leveraging Image Obfuscation Techniques to Enhance Sharing Privacy for Blind and Visually Impaired Users

TL;DR

Evaluated image filtering techniques that could help BVI users manage sensitive content before sharing with various audiences, including family, friends, or strangers indicated that pixelation was the least preferred method, while preferences for other filters varied depending on image type and sharing context.

Abstract

People with Blind Visual Impairments (BVI) face unique challenges when sharing images, as these may accidentally contain sensitive or inappropriate content. In many instances, they are unaware of the potential risks associated with sharing such content, which can compromise their privacy and interpersonal relationships. To address this issue, we investigated image filtering techniques that could help BVI users manage sensitive content before sharing with various audiences, including family, friends, or strangers. We conducted a study with 20 BVI participants, evaluating different filters applied to images varying in sensitivity, such as personal moments or embarrassing shots. Results indicated that pixelation was the least preferred method, while preferences for other filters varied depending on image type and sharing context. Additionally, participants reported greater comfort when sharing filtered versus unfiltered images across audiences. Based on the results, we offer a set of design guidelines to enhance the image-sharing experience for BVI individuals.
Paper Structure (20 sections, 1 figure, 5 tables)

This paper contains 20 sections, 1 figure, 5 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Related Work
  3. Automated Assistive Systems
  4. Privacy Concerns of BVI
  5. Accessible Obfuscation Design
  6. Study
  7. Method
  8. Image category
  9. Image obfuscation/filtering techniques
  10. Target Audience
  11. Participants
  12. Procedure
  13. Results
  14. Preference Scores for Filtering Techniques
  15. Preference Scores
  16. ...and 5 more sections

Figures (1)

  • Figure 1: Bar plots comparing median values across ten categories for three audiences (Family, Friends, Stranger), before and after data filtering.