Privacy by Default

Privacy by default is a design principle requiring that systems automatically protect user privacy without requiring users to take action. In accessibility contexts, this principle is particularly important for older adults and people with cognitive disabilities who may not understand complex privacy settings or the implications of data sharing. Research on social networking sites for older adults consistently identifies privacy as a top concern, with recommendations that sharing features should be opt-in rather than opt-out, privacy information should be clearly visible when sharing content, and default settings should limit exposure to strangers and third parties.