Adaptive Query Noise for Privacy-Preserving Information Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing privacy-preserving information retrieval methods face challenges in balancing the need for detailed data retrieval with protecting individual privacy, as static noise distributions can constrain research effectiveness and lead to potential privacy breaches.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive privacy-preserving information retrieval techniques using a truncated discrete Gaussian distribution to dynamically adjust noise parameters based on query-specific factors, allowing for more informative responses while maintaining privacy by managing privacy allocations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static noise distributions are used for privacy protection, then privacy protection is provided, but research effectiveness is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static noise distribution into a dynamic system where noise parameters are adaptively selected based on query characteristics and remaining privacy allocation. The system dynamically adjusts the noise distribution parameters (mean and standard deviation) according to the specific query being processed, allowing research effectiveness to improve while maintaining privacy protection through adaptive parameter selection rather than fixed parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the noise distribution dynamically based on query-specific factors and privacy allocation state. Instead of using fixed noise parameters, the system selects different mean and standard deviation values from a truncated discrete Gaussian distribution based on the query characteristics and remaining privacy budget, thereby optimizing the balance between privacy protection and research utility.
2Loss of information
If detailed information is retrieved, then research effectiveness improves, but privacy exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different noise levels to different queries based on their specific characteristics and the remaining privacy allocation. Instead of uniformly applying the same noise level to all queries, the system selectively adjusts noise parameters for each query based on local conditions (query type, sensitivity, remaining privacy budget), allowing detailed information to be retrieved for less sensitive queries while providing stronger protection for sensitive queries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a privacy allocation mechanism that allows the system to use varying degrees of noise application based on the query and remaining allocation. When privacy allocation permits, the system can apply less noise (partial action) to provide more detailed information; when allocation is depleted, stronger noise (excessive action) is applied to ensure privacy protection. This partial/excessive action approach optimizes the trade-off between information detail and privacy exposure.
3Productivity
If adaptive noise parameters are used, then information retrieval efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically selects noise parameters based on query characteristics and privacy allocation state without requiring external intervention or complex manual configuration. The adaptive noise selection process is automated, with the system serving itself by dynamically adjusting parameters based on internal state (remaining privacy allocation) and input characteristics (query type), thereby improving efficiency while keeping the complexity managed through automation rather than manual control.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for adaptive privacy-preserving information retrieval. An information server can accept from a user a request for privacy sensitive information accessible to the information server. The information server can determine a remaining privacy allocation for the user of the information server and can determine a noise parameter for a response to the request, where application of the noise parameter to the response can decrease a privacy loss associated with the response. The information server can determine a privacy modifier for the response. In response to the information server determining that the remaining privacy allocation satisfies the privacy modifier, the information server can: (i) determining the response to the request; (ii) apply the noise parameter to the response to produce a noised response; (iii) provide the noised response to the user; and (iv) adjust the remaining privacy allocation according to the privacy modifier.