Dispute over eye scans: Who clarifies the anonymization of data?

Dispute over eye scans: Who clarifies the anonymization of data?

A legal dispute over the identification project World, which was co-founded by AI entrepreneur Sam Altman, could bring crucial clarity in dealing with the anonymization of data in the EU. The company relies on eye scans to enable safe internet access by anonymous and distributed to various providers. But Bavarian data protectionists are skeptical and demand stricter measures, especially the right to delete this data. According to the experts, current anonymization is not sufficient, which raises the question, from when data is really anonymous and can no longer be attributed to individuals. World has already announced that these requests are made to define standards for data anonymization, as reports [zvw.de].

clarity through anonymization?

The GDPR protects personal data and has drawn up clear rules for anonymization. It remains crucial to understand the difference between anonymized and anonymous data. The former refers to data that is originally personal, while anonymous data have no personal reference. This distinction is of great importance for big data and AI applications, since even anonymized data can potentially be subject to a personal reference, such as IP addresses. According to [dr-d-gvo.de], it is important that the anonymization is ideally designed in such a way that an assignment to individuals is excluded, but this can be challenging in practice.

In the context of the dispute, the judgment could have a significant impact on the further use of digital data, especially with regard to legal basics and procedures. A clear determination of when data is considered anonymous could not only influence the practices of World, but also create a precedent for the entire industry in dealing with personal information. The legal disputes should therefore not only be important for the company, but also for the entire ICT industry.