Enhancing Privacy in Federated Learning through Local Training

Core Concepts

Proposing the Fed-PLT algorithm for federated learning to address communication costs and privacy concerns.

Abstract

The paper introduces the Fed-PLT algorithm for federated learning, focusing on reducing communication rounds and enhancing privacy through local training. It addresses challenges of expensive communications and privacy preservation. The algorithm allows partial participation and various local training solvers without compromising accuracy. Differential privacy bounds are derived, and the algorithm's effectiveness is compared to alternative techniques.

Stats

The algorithm matches the state of the art in local training without impacting accuracy.
Differential privacy bounds depend on the number of local training epochs.

Quotes

"In particular, we derive differential privacy bounds and highlight their dependence on the number of local training epochs."
"We assess the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm by comparing it to alternative techniques."

Key Insights Distilled From

Enhancing Privacy in Federated Learning through Local Training

by Nicola Basti... at arxiv.org 03-27-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2403.17572.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can the Fed-PLT algorithm be adapted for different applications beyond the ones mentioned

The Fed-PLT algorithm can be adapted for various applications beyond the ones mentioned in the context. One way to adapt the algorithm is by customizing the local training solvers based on the specific requirements of the application. For example, in healthcare applications, where data privacy is crucial, the algorithm can be modified to prioritize privacy-preserving local training methods such as differential privacy or secure multi-party computation.
Furthermore, the algorithm can be tailored for applications in financial services to handle sensitive financial data securely. By incorporating advanced encryption techniques and secure communication protocols, the algorithm can ensure the confidentiality and integrity of financial data during the federated learning process.
Moreover, in industrial IoT applications, where real-time data processing is essential, the Fed-PLT algorithm can be optimized for efficient communication and computation to handle large volumes of data generated by IoT devices. By implementing edge computing and distributed learning strategies, the algorithm can enhance scalability and performance in industrial IoT environments.

What are the potential drawbacks or limitations of employing local training for privacy enhancement

While local training can enhance privacy in federated learning, there are potential drawbacks and limitations to consider. One limitation is the risk of overfitting the local models during training, especially when the local datasets are not representative of the overall distribution. This can lead to biased models that may compromise the accuracy and generalization of the federated model.
Another drawback is the computational overhead associated with local training, especially when using complex optimization algorithms or handling large datasets. This can result in increased processing time and resource consumption, impacting the efficiency of the federated learning process.
Additionally, the choice of local training solvers can also affect the privacy guarantees of the algorithm. For example, using noisy gradient descent for privacy enhancement may introduce additional randomness and variability in the model updates, potentially affecting the convergence and accuracy of the federated model.

How can federated learning algorithms be improved to address evolving privacy concerns in the future

To address evolving privacy concerns in federated learning, several improvements can be made to federated learning algorithms. One approach is to enhance the privacy mechanisms by incorporating advanced encryption techniques, secure multiparty computation, and differential privacy to provide stronger privacy guarantees for sensitive data.
Another improvement is to implement robust privacy-preserving protocols that can adapt to changing regulatory requirements and data protection standards. By staying up-to-date with the latest privacy regulations and best practices, federated learning algorithms can ensure compliance and data security.
Furthermore, continuous monitoring and auditing of the federated learning process can help identify and mitigate potential privacy risks. By implementing transparency and accountability measures, organizations can build trust with users and stakeholders regarding the privacy and security of their data.
Overall, by integrating privacy-enhancing technologies, adopting privacy-by-design principles, and fostering a culture of data privacy and security, federated learning algorithms can evolve to address emerging privacy challenges effectively.