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MT-plug-ins in CAT-Tools and confidentiality issues
Thread poster: Astrid Stroe
Astrid Stroe
Astrid Stroe  Identity Verified
Romania
Local time: 04:09
German to Romanian
+ ...
Sep 3, 2019

Hi everyone,

I recently brought the latest MemoQ 9.0, a CAT-tool that I'm very fond of, and installed the GoogleMT Cloud translation API.
My question: is there a problem regarding confidentiality when freelance translators use this kind of plug-ins with CAT-Tools?

Could a client (LSP or direct client) issue complaints?

Or can we, as freelance translators, enjoy the benefits of MT guilt-free?

Thanks
 
Samuel Murray
Samuel Murray  Identity Verified
Netherlands
Local time: 03:09
Member (2006)
English to Afrikaans
+ ...
@Astrid Sep 3, 2019

Astrid Stroe wrote:
Is there a problem regarding confidentiality when freelance translators use these kinds of plug-ins with CAT tools?


It depends on the terms of use of the specific machine translation system. The biggest concern is whether the service provider will save and/or re-use the text that you upload, for its own purposes. Google Translate (with the paid API key) is safe -- they don't save your texts nor reuse them. Of course, some translators don't trust Google to speak the truth.
 
DZiW (X)
DZiW (X)
Ukraine
English to Russian
+ ...
GDPR: MT is a third (3rd) party Sep 3, 2019

First, any MT [or similar services] is a third party, which may be a big subject to NDA.

Second, if they sent you a plain (non-encrypted) email with the job/sensitive info, they had already breached the confidentiality, making their security practices [and requirements] very doubtful, at least.

Third, even no-MT and decent protection measures guarantee no 100% protection from data leakage or vulnerability issues which could lead to personal information being comp... See more
First, any MT [or similar services] is a third party, which may be a big subject to NDA.

Second, if they sent you a plain (non-encrypted) email with the job/sensitive info, they had already breached the confidentiality, making their security practices [and requirements] very doubtful, at least.

Third, even no-MT and decent protection measures guarantee no 100% protection from data leakage or vulnerability issues which could lead to personal information being compromised.

Furthermore, while almost all third-parties keep manifesting no-recycling whatever, who can really check, prevent or enforce it?


 Shortly, if you really need to, you can still use MT (both on/offline) but wisely; however, depending on the text, MT often makes segments even choppier, phasing translation in the infamous MT post-edit area: a very different service at a lower price. Why, most clients would object to such a cheat, especially if the unedited translation does feel like a mere MT.

On the other hand, some pressed agencies demand their free lancers avoid translating similar to a few major MTs, making the process very cumbersome and exhausting for double-checking and amending even correct matches.

Take care ▲ Collapse
 


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MT-plug-ins in CAT-Tools and confidentiality issues







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