Understanding Privacy-Related Advice on Stack Overflow

• DOI: 10.2478/popets-2022-0038
• Publication Date: 2022-03-05T04:34:43Z
• Authors: Mohammad Tahaei; Tianshi Li; Kami Vaniea
• Keywords: Advice (programming); Legal advice; Privacy software

Abstract Privacy tasks can be challenging for developers, resulting in privacy frameworks and guidelines from the research community which are designed to assist developers considering features applying enhancing technologies early stages of software development. However, how engage with design strategies is not yet well understood. In this work, we look at types privacy-related advice give each other that maps Hoepman’s strategies. We qualitatively analyzed 119 accepted answers on Stack Overflow past five years extracted 148 pieces these answers. find mostly around compliance regulations ensuring confidentiality a focus inform , hide control minimize Other strategies, abstract separate enforce demonstrate rarely advised. Answers often include links official documentation online articles, highlighting value both informal materials such as blog posts. make recommendations promoting under-stated through tools, detail importance providing better developer support handle third-party data practices.