Research often requires using sensitive data to answer important questions. The ethical collection and analysis of personal information can be challenging to do while still protecting the privacy of the implicated individuals, honoring informed consent, and complying with other legal obligations. The technology, policies, and ethical considerations for researchers are constantly shifting, sometimes making it difficult to keep up. That’s why FPF engages stakeholders across academia and industry to produce recommendations, best practices, and ethical review structures that promote responsible research. Our work is centered around streamlining, encouraging, and promoting responsible research that respects essential privacy and ethical considerations throughout the research lifecycle. FPF works with policymakers to develop legislative protections that support effective, responsible research with strong privacy safeguards, including hosting events that allow policymakers and regulators to engage directly with practitioners from academia, advocacy, and industry.
The Curse of Dimensionality: De-identification Challenges in the Sharing of Highly Dimensional Datasets
The 2006 release by AOL of search queries linked to individual users and the re-identification of some of those users is one of the best known privacy disasters in internet history. Less well known is that AOL had released the data to meet intense demand from academic researchers who saw this valuable data set as essential […]
FPF Launches Major Initiative to Study Economic and Policy Implications of AgeTech
FPF and University of Arizona Eller College of Management Awarded Grant by Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to Address Privacy Implications, and Data Uses of Technologies Aimed at Aging At Home The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) — a global non-profit focused on data protection, AI and emerging technologies–has been awarded a grant from the Alfred […]
FPF Privacy Papers for Policymakers: A Celebration of Impactful Privacy Research and Scholarship
The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) hosted its 15th Privacy Papers for Policymakers (PPPM) event at its Washington, D.C., headquarters on March 12, 2025. This prestigious event recognized six outstanding research papers that offer valuable insights for policymakers navigating the ever-evolving landscape of privacy and technology. The evening featured engaging discussions and a shared commitment […]
Data Sharing for Research Tracker
Co-authored by Hannah Babinski, former FPF Intern In celebration of International Open Data Day, FPF is proud to launch the Data Sharing For Research Tracker, a growing list of organizations that make data available for researchers. It provides information about the company, the data, any access restrictions, and relevant links: One of the most difficult, […]
This year’s Winning Privacy Papers to be Honored at the Future of Privacy Forum’s 15th Annual Privacy Papers for Policymakers Event
The Future of Privacy Forum’s 15th Annual Privacy Papers for Policymakers Award Recognizes Influential Privacy Research February 3, 2025 — 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 15th annual Privacy Papers for Policymakers (PPPM) Awards. The PPPM […]
Future of Privacy Forum Publishes Report Exploring Organizations’ Emerging Practices and Challenges Assessing AI Risks
As AI models and systems become more widespread and powerful, FPF’s report finds many organizations are taking a four-step approach to managing potential risks With growing focus from policymakers and regulators on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, and as organizations strive to responsibly use AI systems, organizations are increasingly embracing AI impact assessments […]
The African Union’s Continental AI Strategy: Data Protection and Governance Laws Set to Play a Key Role in AI Regulation
By Chuma Akana, Former FPF Global Privacy Summer Fellow and Mercy King’ori, FPF Policy Analyst, Global Privacy The African Union (AU) Executive Council, composed of representatives of the 55 African Member States, approved the highly anticipated AU AI Continental Strategy (the Strategy) in July 2024. The adoption of the Strategy follows a period of stakeholder […]
Out, Not Outed: Privacy for Sexual Health, Orientations, and Gender Identities
Co-authored by: Judy Wang (FPF Intern), Jeter Sison (FPF Intern), Jordan Wrigley (FPF Data and Policy Analyst, Health & Wellness) On National Coming Out Day, it’s important to recognize that Coming Out is a right of passage for many LGBTQ+ individuals and a decision that they should be empowered to make for themselves. Protections for […]
Call for Nominations: 15th Annual Privacy Papers for Policymakers Award
Future of Privacy Forum Award Elevates Privacy Research to Inform Policy Discussion September 9, 2024 —The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) invites scholars and authors with an interest in privacy issues to submit finished papers to be considered for its 15th annual Privacy Papers for Policymakers (PPPM) Awards. The award provides privacy and data protection […]
Five ways in which the DPDPA could shape the development of AI in India
India enacted the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA) on August 11, 2023, a comprehensive data protection law culminating from a landmark Supreme Court decision recognizing a constitutional right to privacy in India, and discussions on multiple drafts spanning over half a decade. The law comes at a time when, globally, there has been […]