This study investigates public attitudes towards algorithmic personalization and data privacy using representative online samples from Germany, Great Britain, and the United States. Findings reveal public objection to the collection and use of sensitive personal information, particularly in political campaigning and, in Germany and Great Britain, news personalization. Interestingly, these concerns transcend political affiliations. A significant "acceptability gap" emerged, with higher acceptance of personalized services than the data collection enabling them. The study highlights the need for transparent, data-minimizing algorithmic personalization that respects user preferences and avoids political advertising.

Anastasia Kozyreva, Philipp Lorenz-Spreen, Ralph Hertwig, Stephan Lewandowsky, Stefan M. Herzog