Anonymization May Protect Privacy As Government Seeks Data
Hashing techniques borrowed from the world of cryptography may protect personal data as the government seeks information about suspected terrorists, CDT and the Heritage Foundation conclude in a paper issued jointly. In response to terrorism threats, government agencies are seeking access to large commercial databases. Searches on hashed data allow disclosure on the basis of particularized suspicion without giving the government access to entire databases. CDT and the Heritage Foundation urge further research on anonymization, audits and permissioning systems. May 26, 2004 [Center for Democracy and Technology]