Privacy Enhancing Technology
Definition
Privacy Enhancing Technology (PET) refers to a coherent system of information and communication technology (ICT) measures that protect privacy by eliminating or reducing personal data or by preventing unnecessary and/or undesired processing of personal data, all without losing the functionality of the information system.
The use of PETs can help to design information and communication systems and services in a way that minimizes the collection and use of personal data and facilitates compliance with data protection rules. It should result in making breaches of certain data protection rules more difficult and/or helping to detect them.
PETs can be stand-alone tools requiring positive action by consumers (who must purchase and install them in their computers) or be built into the very architecture of information systems.
