In recent years, information gleaned from the analysis of large data sets has led to scientific innovation, critical research, and advances that benefit society. Commercially, data mining and analytics have become a key aspect of efficient marketing and production practices. In addition, data collection and processing have become an important part of protecting consumers against fraud and other digital dangers. While these increased collection and processing capabilities have served to showcase the value of data, advancements in data mining, often termed “Big Data,” have also created new privacy concerns.
How can we maximize the benefits of data collection and retention while confronting its challenges to individual privacy? Through projects on de-identification and the value of the data, FPF is exploring the intersection between the benefits of data and its privacy implications.