'privacy-sensitive' originates from the combination of 'privacy' and 'sensitive', where 'privacy' refers to the state of being free from public attention, and 'sensitive' means quick to detect or respond to slight changes or influences.

'Privacy' comes from the Latin word 'privatus', meaning 'withdrawn from public life', and 'sensitive' comes from the Latin word 'sensitivus', meaning 'capable of feeling'.

Initially, 'privacy-sensitive' meant being aware of and responsive to privacy concerns, and this meaning has remained consistent.