Statement by the Office for National Statistics in response to Melbourne School of Engineering research paper on data privacy
ONS is confident there is no risk to the confidentiality of its data and that is acknowledged in the Melbourne paper. The method tested by the Melbourne School of Engineering (MSE) is only one small, old experimental component which has since been reviewed.
The paper does not describe all the additional safeguards that ONS takes to ensure individuals’ identities are protected. Data security threats are constantly evolving and we continue to develop new safeguards in response.
ONS Â is satisfied that the totality of its approach to protecting privacy is secure.