James M Clarke
Academic and research departments
Computer Science Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences.About
My research project
Security and Privacy of Assistive Technologies for people with Visual ImpairmentsI have previously looked at the interactions between cookie notices online and these assistive technologies. I am now focused on evaluating the dark patterns of tracking in assistive technologies, their security and privacy, and designing cryptographic solutions to enhance privacy of the visually impaired users. I am dedicated to advancing our understanding of the vulnerabilities and potential threats that may arise in this domain.
Supervisors
I have previously looked at the interactions between cookie notices online and these assistive technologies. I am now focused on evaluating the dark patterns of tracking in assistive technologies, their security and privacy, and designing cryptographic solutions to enhance privacy of the visually impaired users. I am dedicated to advancing our understanding of the vulnerabilities and potential threats that may arise in this domain.
Teaching
Current Demonstrating:
Past Demonstrating:
- SECURE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS - 2022/3
Publications
This article investigates the accessibility of cookie notices on websites for users with visual impairments (VI) via a set of system studies on top UK websites (n=46) and a user study (n=100). We use a set of methods and tools—including accessibility testing tools, text-only browsers, and screen readers—to perform our system studies. Our results demonstrate that the majority of cookie notices on these websites have some form of accessibility issue, including contrast issues, not having headings, and not being read aloud immediately when the page is loaded. We discuss how such practices impact the user experience and privacy and provide a set of recommendations for multiple stakeholders for more accessible websites and better privacy practices for users with VIs. To complement our technical contribution, we conduct a user study, finding that people with VIs generally have a negative view of cookie notices and believe our recommendations could help their online experience.