Data Privacy and Social Networking Sites - A study with special reference to anonymization

Abstract

The rapid expansion of social network platforms, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, has brought forth significant concerns regarding the privacy of users' personal data. As these platforms accumulate vast amounts of information, they also present heightened risks of unauthorized access and misuse of sensitive user data. This paper addresses the critical issue of data privacy in online social networks, emphasizing the role of anonymization in safeguarding user information. By exploring contemporary privacy-preserving techniques within the field of data mining, this research highlights the delicate balance between protecting user privacy and maintaining the utility of data for analysis. Various anonymization strategies are evaluated, focusing on their effectiveness in preventing identity disclosure while ensuring data usability. The study underscores the complexities involved in preventing privacy breaches and the ongoing need for more sophisticated anonymization methodologies. This survey aims to contribute to the broader discourse on data privacy by offering a comprehensive analysis of current challenges and potential solutions to enhance the protection of user data in the digital age.