Rolling in the deep: User perspectives, expectations, and challenges of data and information distribution in autonomous driving

Autonomous driving will provide higher traffic safety, meet climate-related issues due to energy-saving mobility, and offer more comfort for drivers. To ensure reliable and safe autonomous traffic, and to provide efficient and time-critical mobility services, data exchange between road users and systems is essential. In public perception, however, sharing data and information may pose a challenge due to perceived privacy restrictions. In this paper, we address user perceptions and their acceptance towards data and information distribution in autonomous driving. In a multi-step empirical procedure, qualitative (focus groups, guided interviews) and quantitative approaches (questionnaire-study) were combined. The findings reveal that autonomous driving is commonly seen as a highly useful and appreciated technology. Though individual risk perceptions and potential drawbacks are manifold, mainly described in terms of data security and privacy-related issues. The findings contribute to research in human-automation interaction, technical development, and public communication strategies.