MIT launches data-privacy-focused initiative

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has unveiled an initiative to bring together cutting-edge computer science research with policy expertise and public policy experience. reports MIT Technology Review.

The Future of Data, Trust and Privacy (FOD) initiative envisions collaboration among experts specializing in five technical domains:

• Database systems;
• Applied cryptography;
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning;
• Data portability and new information architectures;
• Human–computer interaction.

In addition to technical research, FOD will provide platforms for dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and business representatives.

Co-leader of the initiative, Daniel Weitzner, said that one of the main goals is to shorten the cycle between developing new policies and software systems.

Professor Srini Devadas added that FOD’s efforts will draw on MIT’s expertise in cryptography, machine learning, systems security, and public policy.

“The aim is to address the complex problems in data analytics and machine learning where data sharing yields significant benefits to all participants, while preserving robust privacy protections,” said Devadas.

Companies that have already joined FOD say the initiative will not only help navigate the changing policy landscape but also develop technical tools for more effective management of new policies, laws and regulations.

Earlier, a coalition of more than 70 American civil rights organisations urged Biden to stop using Clearview AI facial recognition.

In April 2021, a group of 56 European organisations urged the European Commission to ban the use of facial recognition technology without any exceptions.

In January, Amnesty International called for a ban on facial recognition in public spaces. The organisation argues that biometric identification of people via street-surveillance cameras is a gross intrusion into citizens’ private lives.

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