Latanya Arvette Sweeney is an American computer scientist known for her groundbreaking research in data privacy and her contributions to the field of computer science. She is currently the Daniel Paul Professor of the Practice of Government and Technology at the Harvard Kennedy School and in the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University. Sweeney is also the founder and director of the Public Interest Tech Lab, an interdisciplinary research lab focused on using technology for social good, which was established in 2021 with a generous grant from the Ford Foundation. She is a leading voice in advocating for data privacy and ethics in technology.
Sweeney’s career in computer science began with her undergraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she initially pursued a degree in computer science. However, she decided to leave MIT to start her own company. She later completed her undergraduate degree in computer science at the Harvard University Extension School. In 2001, Sweeney made history as the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science from MIT.
One of Sweeney’s most notable achievements is her development of the concept of k-anonymity, a method used to protect the privacy of individuals in data analysis. In her research, Sweeney discovered that a large percentage of the U.S. population could be uniquely identified using just three pieces of information: date of birth, gender, and postal code. This finding sparked a national conversation on data privacy and led to the implementation of stricter privacy regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Sweeney’s work on data privacy had a significant impact on public policy and led to numerous invitations to testify before congressional committees. She served as the Chief Technologist of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and was instrumental in shaping privacy regulations and policies at the federal level. Sweeney has also been the Editor-in-Chief of Technology Science, an interdisciplinary journal focused on the intersection of technology and society.
In addition to her research and academic work, Sweeney is deeply committed to mentoring and supporting underrepresented groups in computer science. She has been honored with several awards for her contributions to the field, including the Women of Vision Award from the Anita Borg Institute for her leadership and technical contributions to privacy and security, as well as the Black Achievers in Industry Award from the Boston Chapter of the NAACP.
As a role model for aspiring women in computer science, Sweeney has inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in technology and advocate for ethical and inclusive practices. Her work continues to have a lasting impact on society, ensuring that technology is developed and used in ways that respect individual privacy and promote social justice.
– Women of Vision Award from the Anita Borg Institute
– Black Achievers in Industry Award from the Boston Chapter of the NAACP