Abstract

In the field of National Statistical Offices (NSOs), the gathering of social, demographic, and economic data constitutes a fundamental endeavor, supporting evidence-based policymaking and societal development. However, against the backdrop of escalating concerns regarding data privacy, the imperative of ensuring broad data access while safeguarding individual privacy has assumed heightened significance. Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) have emerged as pivotal tools in navigating this intricate landscape, facilitating the reconciliation of data accessibility with privacy preservation.

This work presents an initiative of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) as a case study exemplifying the implementation of PETs within the NSO domain. Collaborating closely with the UN PET Lab, IBGE has embarked upon a pioneering initiative in Brazil aimed at harmonizing data access imperatives with stringent privacy protection protocols. At its core, this endeavor embodies a paradigm shift in the traditional approach to sensitive data analysis, signifying a concerted effort to adapt to the demands of the digital age. By harnessing the power of PETs, IBGE seeks to empower data access while upholding the fundamental right to privacy and respecting legal principles to protect privacy.

The primary objective of IBGE's PET-enabled solution lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate data from diverse sources while securely extracting statistics and insights from confidential datasets. The solution aims to empower data owners and analysts to overcome conventional barriers to data integration and analysis, thereby cultivating an environment conducive to evidence-based decision-making. Noteworthy among its features is the flexibility in adopting privacy methods, which encompasses the incorporation of traditional rules developed over time through the tacit knowledge of professionals involved in statistical information disclosure, statistical disclosure control approaches, and recently developed PETs.

Drawing upon the Brazilian experience, this paper aims to help clarify the multifaceted dimensions of PET implementation within the NSO context. By examining the technical foundations of PET deployment and the practical challenges encountered, it seeks to contribute to the growing discourse around data governance, engendering a scholarly dialogue conducive to the advancement of privacy-preserving data practices.

In summary, the Brazilian NSO experience was promising and reinforced the transformative potential of PETs in reconciling the imperatives of data accessibility with the imperatives of privacy protection. Through rigorous scholarship and collaborative engagement, IBGE and the UN PET Lab endeavor to disseminate knowledge, promote discussions, and foster a global community of practitioners committed to the principles of responsible data stewardship.