Anonymization of Faces

Fabio Hellmann, Elisabeth André, Mohamed Benouis, Benedikt Buchner, Silvan Mertes

Abstract: This paper explores face anonymization techniques in the context of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) amidst growing privacy concerns due to the widespread use of personal data in machine learning. We focus on unstructured data, specifically facial data, and discuss two approaches to assessing re-identification risks: the risk- based approach supported by GDPR and the zero or strict approach. Emphasizing a process-oriented perspective, we argue that face anonymization should consider the overall data processing context, including the actors involved and the measures taken, to achieve legally secure anonymization under GDPR’s stringent requirements.