Privacy - does it really exist in the digital era?

We are living in the age of big data, where large-scale mobile phone, credit card, or browsing datasets can be captured and analysed in real time. However, the use of these data raises public concern about privacy. Dr de Montjoye will discuss how human behaviour could compromise the privacy of individuals, allowing re-identification or inference of sensitive information. He will also present potential solutions being developed for enhancing privacy protection.

Big data helps companies to offer personalised services based on the data of each individual customer. Although this dramatically improves the quality of services, it also raises concern about the infringement of privacy. Dr McIlwraith will unveil the technologies behind personalisation and discuss the implications on privacy. In addition to his outstanding academic career, Dr McIlwraith is active in the start-up space, commercialising computational advertising techniques.