Assessing User Perceptions and Preferences on Applying Obfuscation Techniques for Privacy Protection in Augmented Reality

Ana Cassia Cruz, Rogério Luís de C. Costa (), Leonel Santos, Carlos Rabadão, Anabela Marto and Alexandrino Gonçalves
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Ana Cassia Cruz: Computer Science and Communication Research Center (CIIC), Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão (ESTG), Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
Rogério Luís de C. Costa: Computer Science and Communication Research Center (CIIC), Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão (ESTG), Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
Leonel Santos: Computer Science and Communication Research Center (CIIC), Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão (ESTG), Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
Carlos Rabadão: Computer Science and Communication Research Center (CIIC), Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão (ESTG), Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
Anabela Marto: Computer Science and Communication Research Center (CIIC), Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão (ESTG), Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
Alexandrino Gonçalves: Computer Science and Communication Research Center (CIIC), Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão (ESTG), Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal

Future Internet, 2025, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-18

Abstract: As augmented reality (AR) technologies become increasingly integrated into everyday life, privacy-maintenance concerns about their capacity to capture and process sensitive visual data also increase. Visual data sanitization and obfuscation may effectively increase the privacy protection level. This study examines user perceptions of privacy protection strategies within AR environments. We developed and disseminated a questionnaire to assess users’ preferences, experiences, and concerns related to visual obfuscation techniques, namely masking, pixelation, and blurring. We collected and analyzed the responses using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The results indicate that user perceptions varied based on the AR context and individual preferences. Participants identified blurring as a versatile option that provides the best aesthetic appeal. Users recognized masking as the most secure method but less visually appealing. This study also revealed that demographic factors, such as age, education, and occupation, influenced privacy concerns and the acceptance of obfuscation methods. These findings enhance the understanding of user preferences and the effectiveness of obfuscation techniques in AR. These insights can guide the development of privacy-preserving AR applications tailored to accommodate diverse user needs.

Keywords: augmented reality; blurring; masking; obfuscation techniques; pixelation; privacy; security (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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