Abstract: In order to reveal the contextual factors of personal information disclosure (PID) in major emergencies, this study adopted the theory of “privacy as contextual integrity” to guide a content analysis of the Epidemiological Investigation Reports (EIR) publicized by 45 Chinese local governments during the period of COVID-19. The research findings include: (1) the public value and personal sensitivity of personal information and its correlation with the context are core basis for judging the contextual integrity in information disclosure; (2) the degree of PID is related to some contextual factors, such as the development of epidemic situation and the privacy awareness of local governments; (3) legal environment and cultural norms impact information subjects’ perception of PID risks and intention of personal information protection. (4) Information audience is a part of the context of PID. On these bases, a theoretical model of contextual factors in PID is constructed, and classification framework for PID in major public emergency is also built and expected to guide the practice of government information disclosure.

Key words: Personal information, Government information disclosure, COVID-19, Privacy, Context, Major public emergencies