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arXiv · 2404.17271

To democratize research with sensitive data, we should make synthetic data more accessible

Erik-Jan van Kesteren
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Abstract

For over 30 years, synthetic data has been heralded as a promising solution to make sensitive datasets accessible. However, despite much research effort and several high-profile use-cases, the widespread adoption of synthetic data as a tool for open, accessible, reproducible research with sensitive data is still a distant dream. In this opinion, Erik-Jan van Kesteren, head of the ODISSEI Social Data Science team, argues that in order to progress towards widespread adoption of synthetic data as a privacy enhancing technology, the data science research community should shift focus away from developing better synthesis methods: instead, it should develop accessible tools, educate peers, and publish small-scale case studies.

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Erik-Jan van Kesteren. 2024-04-26. To democratize research with sensitive data, we should make synthetic data more accessible. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.patter.2024.101049

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