In a significant stride towards enhancing privacy-preserving technologies, researchers from Shanghai Ocean University and Shanghai Maritime University have developed an efficient protocol for Fuzzy Labeled Private Set Intersection (FLPSI). This innovation, led by Enze Cheng, Lei Zhang, and Lifei Wei, promises to revolutionize data privacy in various sectors, including maritime, by enabling secure and efficient data matching.
FLPSI is a variant of Private Set Intersection (PSI) where the elements in the sender’s and receiver’s sets are not identical but share similarities. The sender’s elements are associated with labels, and the receiver only gets the labels of the matched elements without revealing other information. Most existing FLPSI protocols use Hamming distance to determine the degree of matching between binary vectors, relying on expensive public key ciphers that result in high computation overhead and slow running times.
The researchers’ breakthrough lies in their proposal of an efficient FLPSI protocol based on symmetric cryptography. This approach reduces the overall communication complexity and the computational complexity of the sender from O(n²) to O(n). “Our protocol proves to be 3 to 10 times faster than existing FLPSI protocols in balanced scenarios, with communication reduced by 89% to 95%,” said Enze Cheng, the lead author. “In unbalanced scenarios, the protocol is 7 to 10 times faster, showcasing obvious advantages over similar fuzzy matching protocols.”
The implications for the maritime sector are substantial. Privacy-preserving data matching can enhance security in various applications, from secure data sharing between ports and shipping companies to protecting sensitive information in maritime logistics and supply chain management. The protocol’s efficiency and reduced communication complexity make it particularly suitable for the maritime industry, where data exchange often involves large datasets and requires robust security measures.
Moreover, the researchers have designed an application of the FLPSI protocol in face recognition under privacy protection conditions. This innovation can meet the requirements of different scenarios by adjusting parameters, offering potential applications in maritime security and surveillance.
The research, published in the journal ‘Jisuanji kexue’ (translated to ‘Computer Science’), highlights the growing importance of privacy-preserving technologies in an increasingly data-driven world. As maritime professionals navigate the complexities of digital transformation, advancements like this FLPSI protocol provide valuable tools to ensure data security and privacy.
In summary, the efficient FLPSI protocol developed by Enze Cheng, Lei Zhang, and Lifei Wei represents a significant leap forward in privacy-preserving technologies. Its potential applications in the maritime sector underscore the importance of continued research and innovation in this field, offering new opportunities for secure and efficient data sharing in an increasingly interconnected world.