The social contract theory meets cybersecurity : systematic
literature review

J 2025

The social contract theory meets cybersecurity : systematic literature review

KLEINER, Jan

Basic information

Original name

The social contract theory meets cybersecurity : systematic literature review

Authors

KLEINER, Jan

Edition

Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, Leeds, Emerald, 2025, 2398-5038

Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Article in a journal

Field of Study

50601 Political science

Country of publisher

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Confidentiality degree

is not subject to a state or trade secret

References:

Odkaz na článek

Impact factor

Impact factor: 2.700 in 2024

Marked to be transferred to RIV

Yes

RIV identification code

RIV/00216224:14230/25:00140309

Organization unit

Faculty of Social Studies

Keywords in English

social contract theory; governance; cybersecurity; privacy; artificial intelligence; society-in-the-loop; integrative social contract theory

Abstract

In the original language

Purpose This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of social contract theory (SCT) utilization in cybersecurity literature, elucidating the current state of research, identifying major applications and themes and highlighting gaps, particularly in empirical studies, and the integration of emerging technologies. The study also maps the contractual parties and governance tools discussed in SCT and cyberspace interactions. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a systematic literature review to investigate the application of SCT within the cybersecurity domain. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative and qualitative content analysis with the Grounded Theory strategy, over 30,000 documents were initially screened. The final data set comprised 873 peer-reviewed papers from multiple databases. MAXQDA software facilitated coding and thematic analysis to identify key SCT applications, governance tools and research gaps. Findings The review revealed the following: emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are sparsely researched within the SCT-cyberspace intersection, yet they offer solutions to various SCT-related issues; empirical studies are underrepresented, with theoretical explorations dominating the discourse; there is a notable gap in integrating emerging technologies such as AI within SCT frameworks; governance tools discussed are varied, including economic incentives, regulatory measures and informational strategies. Originality/value This study synthesizes SCT applications in cybersecurity, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature and potential for richer theoretical integration. By systematically mapping the literature, it identifies crucial gaps and offers a foundation for future empirical and theoretical research. The findings emphasize the importance of considering traditional SCT themes and contemporary technological contexts, contributing to the development of more robust frameworks for cyberspace governance.

Links

MUNI/A/1550/2024, interní kód MU

Name: Aktuální problémy politologického výzkumu XI.

Investor: Masaryk University, Current Issues in Political Science Research XI

Cite

KLEINER, Jan. The social contract theory meets cybersecurity : systematic literature review. Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance. Leeds: Emerald, 2025, vol. 27, No 4, p. 446-465. ISSN 2398-5038. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/DPRG-06-2024-0118.

@article{2438862,
   author = {Kleiner, Jan},
   article_location = {Leeds},
   article_number = {4},
   doi = {https://doi.org/10.1108/DPRG-06-2024-0118},
   keywords = {social contract theory; governance; cybersecurity; privacy; artificial intelligence; society-in-the-loop; integrative social contract theory},
   language = {eng},
   issn = {2398-5038},
   journal = {Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance},
   title = {The social contract theory meets cybersecurity : systematic literature review},
   url = {https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/DPRG-06-2024-0118/full/html},
   volume = {27},
   year = {2025}
}

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JF  - Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance
VL  - 27
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SP  - 446-465
EP  - 446-465
PB  - Emerald
SN  - 23985038
KW  - social contract theory
KW  - governance
KW  - cybersecurity
KW  - privacy
KW  - artificial intelligence
KW  - society-in-the-loop
KW  - integrative social contract theory
UR  - https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/DPRG-06-2024-0118/full/html
N2  - Purpose This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of social contract theory (SCT) utilization in cybersecurity literature, elucidating the current state of research, identifying major applications and themes and highlighting gaps, particularly in empirical studies, and the integration of emerging technologies. The study also maps the contractual parties and governance tools discussed in SCT and cyberspace interactions. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a systematic literature review to investigate the application of SCT within the cybersecurity domain. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative and qualitative content analysis with the Grounded Theory strategy, over 30,000 documents were initially screened. The final data set comprised 873 peer-reviewed papers from multiple databases. MAXQDA software facilitated coding and thematic analysis to identify key SCT applications, governance tools and research gaps. Findings The review revealed the following: emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are sparsely researched within the SCT-cyberspace intersection, yet they offer solutions to various SCT-related issues; empirical studies are underrepresented, with theoretical explorations dominating the discourse; there is a notable gap in integrating emerging technologies such as AI within SCT frameworks; governance tools discussed are varied, including economic incentives, regulatory measures and informational strategies. Originality/value This study synthesizes SCT applications in cybersecurity, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature and potential for richer theoretical integration. By systematically mapping the literature, it identifies crucial gaps and offers a foundation for future empirical and theoretical research. The findings emphasize the importance of considering traditional SCT themes and contemporary technological contexts, contributing to the development of more robust frameworks for cyberspace governance.
ER  -

KLEINER, Jan. The social contract theory meets cybersecurity : systematic literature review. \textit{Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance}. Leeds: Emerald, 2025, vol.~27, No~4, p.~446-465. ISSN~2398-5038. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/DPRG-06-2024-0118.

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