anonymizations
Making data nameless
Anonymizations are acts of removing identifying information from data so individuals cannot be recognized.
The term appears in contexts involving privacy, research ethics, and data protection: The dataset underwent anonymizations before being shared with researchers.
Each anonymization strips names, addresses, or other details that could link records to specific people.
Substituting identifiers with artificial ones
- deidentificationRemoving identifying information
- redactionObscuring sensitive text
- maskingConcealing by covering
- tokenizationConverting input into discrete units
generalization · randomization · hashing · aggregation · shuffling · permutation · distortion · obfuscation
Converting data into code
- SSLWeb encryption protocol
- TLSNetwork encryption protocol
- VPNEncrypted network connection
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
Quality of protecting secrets
- PIIIdentity-revealing information
- GDPREU data protection law
- HIPAAMedical privacy statute
- consentVoluntary agreement given
compliance · disclosure · transparency · regulations · ethics · opt-out
pseudonymization
Substituting identifiers with artificial ones
- deidentificationRemoving identifying information
- redactionObscuring sensitive text
- maskingConcealing by covering
tokenization · generalization · randomization · hashing · aggregation · shuffling · permutation · distortion · obfuscation · blurring
encryption
Converting data into code
confidentiality
Quality of protecting secrets
consent · compliance · disclosure · transparency · regulations · ethics · opt-out
surveys
Systematic information gathering
- journalismNews gathering and dissemination
anonymizationsidentifications
Confirmations of identity
disclosures · exposures · unmaskings · revelations · outings
anonymizationsattribution
Assigning origin or cause
profiling · tracking · identity verification · authentication · fingerprinting
anonymizationsdata breaches
Unauthorized access to protected information
data leaks · privacy violations · publications · disseminations · broadcasts