Ghost Readers of the Nile: Decrypting Password Sharing Habits in Chatting Applications among Egyptian Women

Abstract

Password sharing is a convenient means to access shared resources, save on subscription costs, provide emergency access, and avoid forgetting vital account details. However, it also raises significant privacy concerns, especially in digital communication contexts where content may be inadvertently exposed to unintended recipients. In this paper, we investigate this duality, using a survey of 86 Egyptian women to understand their sharing behavior and the design and evaluation of a chat application used by 60 participants. This application issues warnings based on content sensitivity, leading to increased user awareness about privacy risks. Our findings indicate that, while many participants initially shared passwords, they were surprised to discover others doing the same. Furthermore, our application effectively reduced password sharing, reflecting improved awareness of associated risks. This research acknowledges the cultural aspects of password sharing while striving to enhance the experience, enabling participants to make informed choices that enhance their information control.