One key method for ensuring privacy while processing large amounts of data is de-identification. De-identified data refers to data through which a link to a particular individual cannot be established. This often involves “scrubbing” the identifiable elements of personal data, making it “safe” in privacy terms while attempting to retain its commercial and scientific value.
In the era of big data, the debate over the definition of personal information, de-identification and re-identification has never been more important. Privacy regimes often rely on data being considered Personal in order to require the application of privacy rights and protections. Data that is anonymous is considered free of privacy risk and available for public use.
Yet much data that is collected and used exists somewhere on a spectrum between these stages. FPF’s De-ID Project has examined practical frameworks for applying privacy restrictions to data based on the nature of data that is collected, the risks of de-identification, and the additional legal and administrative protections that may be applied.
FPF Year in Review 2025
Co-authored by FPF Communications Intern Celeste Valentino with contributions from FPF Global Communications Manager Joana Bala This year, FPF continued to broaden its footprint across priority areas of data governance, further expanding activities across a range of cross-sector topics, including AI, Youth, Conflict of Laws, AgeTech (seniors), and Cyber-Security. We have engaged extensively at the local […]
NEW FPF REPORT: Confidential Computing and Privacy: Policy Implications of Trusted Execution Environments
Written by Judy Wang, FPF Communications Intern Today, the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) published a paper on confidential computing, a privacy-enhancing technology (PET) that marks a significant shift in the trustworthiness and verifiability of data processing for the use cases it supports, including training and use of AI models. Confidential computing leverages two key […]
This Year’s Must-Read Privacy Papers to be Honored at Washington, D.C. Event
The Future of Privacy Forum’s 14th Annual Privacy Papers for Policymakers Award Recognizes Influential Privacy Research Today, the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) — a global non-profit focused on data protection headquartered in Washington, D.C. — announced the winners of its 14th annual Privacy Papers for Policymakers (PPPM) Awards. The PPPM Awards recognize leading U.S. […]
Understanding Extended Reality Technology & Data Flows: Privacy and Data Protection Risks and Mitigation Strategies
This post is the second in a two-part series. Click here for FPF’s XR infographic. The first post in this series focuses on the key functions that XR devices may feature, and analyzes the kinds of sensors, data types, data processing, and transfers to other parties that power these functions. I. Introduction Today’s virtual (VR), […]
New Report on Limits of “Consent” in South Korea’s Data Protection Law
Today, the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) and Asian Business Law Institute (ABLI) – as part of their ongoing joint research project: “From Consent-Centric Data Protection Frameworks to Responsible Data Practices and Privacy Accountability in Asia Pacific” – are publishing a second report in their series of detailed jurisdiction reports on the status of “consent” […]
FPF at CPDP 2022: Panels and Side Events
As the annual Computers, Privacy and Data Protection (CPDP) conference took place in Brussels between May 23 and 25, several Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) staff took part in different panels and events organized by FPF or other organizations before and during the conference. In this blogpost, we provide an overview of such events, with […]
FPF in 2021: Delivering Privacy Insights & Expert Analysis
With the last days of 2021 upon us, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on this exciting year that saw FPF expand its presence both domestically and around the globe, while producing engaging events, thought-provoking analysis, and insightful reports with real-world impact. Growing Global Expertise The scope of FPF’s international work continued to […]
Supporting Responsible Research and Data Protection
Scientific research is often dependent on access to personal information, whether collected directly from individuals or collected for a real-world use and then accessed for research. For research to be trusted, processing of personal information must be lawful, ethical and subject to privacy and security protections. Supporting responsible research is a priority for FPF: Data […]
FPF and Privacy Analytics Identify “A Practical Path Toward Genetic Privacy”
Paper highlights de-identification standards, re-identification research, and emerging technical, contractual, and policy protections that can safeguard genetic data while supporting research. Genomic data is arguably the most personal of all personally identifiable information (“PII”). Techniques to de-identify genomic data to limit privacy and security risks to individuals–while that data is used for research and statistical […]
Ethical and Privacy Protective Academic Research and Corporate Data
Is edtech helping or hindering student education? What effect does social media have on elections? What types of user interfaces help users manage privacy settings? Can the data collected by wearables inform health care? In almost every area of science, academic researchers are seeking access to personal data held by companies to advance their work. […]