What is the best way to protect privacy on a geographic information system (GIS)?

The best way to protect privacy on a geographic information system (GIS) is by limiting the data provided to the system.

Explanation:

Data Minimization Principle: This principle states that only the minimum necessary data should be collected and processed for any given purpose. By limiting the data provided to the GIS, the risk of exposing sensitive or personal information is reduced.

Privacy by Design: Implementing privacy by design involves integrating privacy considerations into the design and operation of technologies, such as GIS. This includes data minimization, ensuring data is relevant, adequate, and not excessive.

Regulatory Compliance: Many privacy regulations, including GDPR, emphasize the importance of data minimization to protect personal information.

GIS and Personal Data: Geographic data can often be highly sensitive, revealing patterns of movement, personal habits, and location-based data. Ensuring only necessary data is included in GIS datasets helps protect individual privacy.

References:

IAPP Privacy Management, Information Privacy Technologist Certification Textbooks

GDPR Article 5 (Principles relating to processing of personal data)

NIST Special Publication 800-122: Guide to Protecting the Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information (PII)