IOL: Data Privacy and Statistical Science

Social media, AI, and emergency evacuations are just a few examples of how personal information can enhance our lives and contribute to the public good. However, this data usage of often confidential data comes with the potential risk of compromising personal privacy. In this Introductory Overview Lecture, we discuss how statistical science concepts and methods can be applied to protect the confidentiality of sensitive data while maintaining its value for social good. We review different statistical approaches to measuring confidentiality risks and utility in data releases, as well as recent advancements for reducing those risks.