Republican plan would make deanonymization of census data trivial

Ars Technica — AllWednesday, October 29, 2025 at 1:00:18 PM
Republican plan would make deanonymization of census data trivial
A new Republican plan threatens to undermine the effectiveness of the 'differential privacy' algorithm, which is designed to protect individual identities in census data. This change could make it much easier to deanonymize sensitive information, raising serious concerns about privacy and data security. The implications of this shift are significant, as it could lead to misuse of personal data and erode public trust in the census process.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended Readings
Differential Privacy as a Perk: Federated Learning over Multiple-Access Fading Channels with a Multi-Antenna Base Station
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
A recent study highlights the benefits of federated learning (FL) in enhancing privacy during data training processes. By utilizing a multi-antenna base station and innovative techniques like over-the-air computing, this approach minimizes the need for raw data exchange, making it a game-changer in data security. This matters because as data privacy concerns grow, solutions like FL could revolutionize how organizations handle sensitive information while still benefiting from collaborative learning.
Differential Privacy: Gradient Leakage Attacks in Federated Learning Environments
NeutralArtificial Intelligence
A recent study explores the vulnerabilities of Federated Learning (FL) to Gradient Leakage Attacks (GLAs), which can compromise sensitive information despite the collaborative nature of model training. The research evaluates the effectiveness of Differential Privacy (DP) mechanisms, particularly DP-SGD and a new variant called PDP-SGD, in mitigating these risks. This is significant as it highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring data privacy in machine learning, a crucial aspect as more organizations adopt FL for its benefits.
Differentially Private High-dimensional Variable Selection via Integer Programming
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
A new study highlights advancements in using Mixed Integer Programming for sparse variable selection in high-dimensional learning while ensuring differential privacy. This is significant because it allows researchers to select informative features from vast datasets without compromising individual privacy, paving the way for more secure data analysis in various fields.
Unifying Re-Identification, Attribute Inference, and Data Reconstruction Risks in Differential Privacy
NeutralArtificial Intelligence
A recent study on differential privacy highlights the challenges in interpreting and calibrating privacy mechanisms. The research reveals that current methods for assessing privacy risks, such as re-identification and data reconstruction, tend to be overly pessimistic and inconsistent. By employing a hypothesis-testing approach, the authors propose a unified framework for understanding these risks, which could lead to more effective privacy protections. This work is significant as it aims to improve the reliability of privacy assessments in various applications, ultimately enhancing user trust in data handling.
Latest from Artificial Intelligence
Christena Konrad: Leading with Empathy and Shaping Complex Systems with Purpose
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Christena Konrad is a remarkable leader who prioritizes empathy and social purpose over profit and prestige. Her approach to shaping complex systems is not just about achieving goals but about creating a positive impact on people's lives. This matters because it highlights the importance of values-driven leadership in today's world, inspiring others to consider the broader implications of their work.
The Art of Travel: How Jeffrey Leonardi Transforms the Role of a Travel Agent to Client Advocate with Travel Time Vacations
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Travel Time Vacations, led by Jeffrey Leonardi, is redefining the role of travel agents by becoming true advocates for their clients. This approach not only enhances the travel experience but also showcases the company's commitment to resilience and passion in the industry. By offering tailored family vacations and luxurious cruises through Europe and North America's stunning waterways, they ensure that every journey is memorable and personalized, making travel more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Trump’s TikTok Deal With China — What Do We Know?
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
After extensive negotiations, the US and China are close to finalizing a deal that would transfer TikTok's US operations to a new investor consortium. This development is significant as it could alleviate national security concerns while allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US, potentially benefiting users and investors alike.
This simple Pixel update finally makes my Android calls as nice as iPhone's
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
A recent update for Pixel devices has significantly improved the quality of Android calls, bringing them closer to the experience offered by iPhones. This enhancement is a game-changer for Pixel users, making their communication clearer and more enjoyable. It's exciting to see how software updates can elevate user experience and bridge the gap between different platforms.
After The Flames: B-hive Aims to Redefine Fire Prevention Through Drone Technology
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
B-hive is stepping up to tackle the wildfire crisis in the U.S. by leveraging drone technology for fire prevention. With nearly three million homes at risk and a staggering $1.3 trillion in potential reconstruction costs, this innovative approach could significantly reduce the impact of wildfires. By redefining how we prevent fires, B-hive not only aims to protect homes but also to save lives and resources, making this initiative crucial for communities in vulnerable areas.
Genome Based Diagnostics Announces Launch of Advanced Liquid Biopsy Kits Aimed for Early Cancer Detection
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Genome Based Diagnostics, founded by Dr. Thomas Crisman, has launched advanced liquid biopsy kits designed for early cancer detection. This innovation is significant as it aims to provide accessible and reliable testing solutions, potentially transforming how we diagnose cancer and improving patient outcomes.