Unlearnable Example

Unlearnable examples (UEs) are subtly modified data samples designed to hinder machine learning model training, primarily aiming to protect sensitive data from unauthorized use. Current research focuses on generating robust UEs across various data types (images, time series, graphs) using techniques like adversarial training, variational autoencoders, and generative models, often incorporating class-wise transformations or sparsity-aware perturbations to enhance imperceptibility and effectiveness. This field is significant for safeguarding data privacy and intellectual property in the age of widespread data sharing and powerful AI models, with implications for various sectors including healthcare and facial recognition. The development of both robust UE generation and effective detection/defense methods remains a key area of active investigation.

Papers