UNDERSTANDING THE TRADE-OFFS BETWEEN DATA UTILITY AND PRIVACY IN BIG DATA SYSTEMS

• Dr. Hassan Raza

  Institute of Data Science, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan.

As big data systems evolve, balancing data utility and privacy concerns remains a critical challenge. This paper investigates the complex trade-offs between the utility of data for analytical purposes and the need to protect individuals' privacy. By exploring different privacy-preserving techniques, such as anonymization, differential privacy, and encryption, the paper provides insights into how these methods impact data utility in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and marketing. The findings suggest that while privacy-enhancing techniques can limit the effectiveness of data analysis, they are essential for safeguarding sensitive information. The paper concludes by proposing strategies for achieving an optimal balance between privacy and utility, ensuring that big data systems can remain both functional and compliant with privacy regulations.

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