Responsible Data Sharing Capacity throughout Governmen
Responsible Data Sharing Capacity throughout Governmen
Traditional anonymization methods are inadequate for protecting individual privacy in the age of big data, leaving citizens vulnerable to re-identification and harm. This article argues that Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs), such as differential privacy and secure multiparty computation, offer a scientifically robust solution. These technologies enable the safe sharing of data for governance while tightly controlling privacy risks, balancing the need for public transparency with the protection of individual civil rights. To implement this shift, the executive branch must establish a standardized decision-making framework for evaluating and deploying PETs, mandated by oversight bodies. Furthermore, the government needs to build internal expertise to support these complex technical requirements. The proposal recommends creating a specialized “Responsible Data Sharing Corps” within the U.S. Digital Service to provide guidance, conduct training, and foster innovation across agencies, ensuring that data sharing practices remain both secure and effective. This approach is critical for open data because it transforms data availability from a potential privacy liability into a responsible, scalable public good. By adopting PETs, governments can maintain the high standards of transparency and evidence-based policymaking essential for a healthy democracy, without compromising the security of the underlying citizen data. This shift ensures that open data initiatives advance societal benefits while rigorously upholding privacy standards.
Source: fas.orgPublished on 2025-03-14