Language, Identity and the Digital Realm

Language, Identity and the Digital Realm

Privacy Issues in Online Learning: A Review of Literature and Suggestions for Further Research

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohammad Aliakbari
Pooria Barzan
Mohammad Mahdi Maadikhah
Department of English Language and Literature, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran.
10.22034/lidr.2025.722877
Abstract
The rapid proliferation of online learning platforms, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has transformed global education but also raised significant privacy concerns. This literature review synthesizes existing research to explore the multifaceted dimensions of privacy in online learning environments, focusing on (1) prevalent privacy concerns, (2) stakeholders’ perspectives toward privacy, (3) strategies and technologies for mitigating privacy risks, and (4) gaps and future directions in research. To address these aims, 24 peer-reviewed articles were systematically analyzed. Key findings reveal pervasive privacy concerns among students and educators, including risks related to unauthorized data access, misuse of personal information, and ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR). The review also identifies strategies to mitigate privacy risks, such as customizable privacy settings, robust data protection policies, and privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs). However, existing literature lacks focus on specific demographics, longitudinal impacts, and the intersection of privacy and accessibility. The authors argue that transparent policies, ethical practices, and adaptive solutions are critical to creating secure online learning environments. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensuring the benefits of digital education without compromising user privacy and data security.
Keywords
Privacy
Online Learning
E-Learning
Learning Analytics
Data Protection
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