Machine learning models in trusted research environments - Understanding operational risks

Ritchie, Felix; Tilbrook, Amy; Cole, Christian; Jefferson, Emily; Krueger, Susan; Mansouri-Benssassi, Esma; Rogers, Simon; Smith, Jim

Abstract

IntroductionTrusted research environments (TREs) provide secure access to very sensitive data for research. All TREs operate manual checks on outputs to ensure there is no residual disclosure risk. Machine learning (ML) models require very large amount of data; if this data is personal, the TRE is a well-established data management solution. However, ML models present novel disclosure risks, in both type and scale.ObjectivesAs part of a series on ML disclosure risk in TREs, this article is intended to introduce TRE managers to the conceptual problems and work being done to address them.MethodsWe demonstrate how ML models present a qualitatively different type of disclosure risk, compared to traditional statistical outputs. These arise from both the nature and the scale of ML modelling.ResultsWe show that there are a large number of unresolved issues, although there is progress in many areas. We show where areas of uncertainty remain, as well as remedial responses available to TREs.ConclusionsAt this stage, disclosure checking of ML models is very much a specialist activity. However, TRE managers need a basic awareness of the potential risk in ML models to enable them to make sensible decisions on using TREs for ML model development.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 30, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Dec 14, 2023
• Publication Date: Dec 14, 2023
• Deposit Date: Oct 31, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 3, 2024
• Journal: International Journal of Population Data Science
• Electronic ISSN: 2399-4908
• Publisher: Swansea University
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 2165
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.23889/ijpds.v8i1.2165
• Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Confidentiality, Machine Learning, Data Enclave, Trusted Research Environment, Output Checking, Disclosure
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11404305
• PMID: 38414545