PETs are a set of tools and techniques that preserve privacy throughout the lifecycle of data, from collection to storage, sharing, and analysis. They employ various mechanisms to achieve this, such as encryption, anonymisation, pseudonymisation, access controls, and data minimisation techniques.

To facilitate the adoption of PETs, the ICO launched new guidance on PETs, targeting data protection officers and professionals working with large personal data sets. The applications have potential to help secure leading industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Finance. 

PETs have significant benefits to open banking, which has over seven million active users in the UK. Open banking relies on the sharing of financial data between banks and third-party providers. PETs ensure privacy and security of the personal and financial information exchanged in the open banking system. 

Likewise, PETs will enhance the development of new AI systems. They allow AI models to be trained on data without compromising the privacy of the individuals whose data is used. 

This comes amid a backdrop of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT using unprecedented amounts of data to train its AI models, which has caused somewhat of an outcry among internet users for transparency on how their data is being used, and more importantly, if it is secure.

Italy went as far as blocking ChatGPT over data privacy concerns, in Scotland however, Edinburgh was recently named the UKs most ‘AI-ready city’ outside London, meaning a different approach is required to securing user data for AI growth.

“If your organisation shares large volumes of data, particularly special category data, we recommend that over the next five years you start considering using PETs,” said John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner. 

“My office is committed to supporting UK businesses to develop and innovate with new technologies that respect people’s privacy and this guidance helps them to do that.”

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The new guidance on PETs will be a talking point for Edwards while at a roundtable meeting with data protection and privacy authorities from G7 nations this week in Tokyo.  

“Together with our G7 counterparts, we are focused on facilitating and driving international support for responsible and innovative adoption of PETs,” said Edwards. 

“We are also looking ahead at emerging technologies, such as the rapid development and deployment of generative AI technologies, to ensure organisations across the world are innovating in a way that respects people’s information and privacy.”