What is data de-identification and name a common technique.

What is data de-identification and name a common technique.

• A. Pseudonymization is used but data remain identifiable.
• B. Storing identifiers in a separate file with no link to data.
• C. Removing identifiers to protect privacy; example: removing names, exact dates, addresses; or pseudonymization.
• D. Sharing identifiers publicly to improve transparency.

Answer: (C)

Data de-identification is the process of removing or masking personal information from data so individuals cannot be identified. A common approach is to strip out direct identifiers—like names, exact dates, and street addresses—and, when appropriate, replace them with pseudonyms. This keeps the data useful for analysis while reducing the risk that someone could be identified, especially if a secure key used for linking data is kept separate and protected. Why this is the best description: removing identifiers directly targets what makes someone identifiable, which is the core aim of de-identification. Pseudonymization is a recognized technique within this approach, providing a way to preserve data utility while limiting direct linkage to a person. Other options don’t fit as well. Storing identifiers in a separate file with no link to data implies there’s no way to re-link data when needed, which isn’t how controlled de-identification is typically managed. Sharing identifiers publicly would clearly defeat privacy protections.

Data de-identification is the process of removing or masking personal information from data so individuals cannot be identified. A common approach is to strip out direct identifiers—like names, exact dates, and street addresses—and, when appropriate, replace them with pseudonyms. This keeps the data useful for analysis while reducing the risk that someone could be identified, especially if a secure key used for linking data is kept separate and protected.

Why this is the best description: removing identifiers directly targets what makes someone identifiable, which is the core aim of de-identification. Pseudonymization is a recognized technique within this approach, providing a way to preserve data utility while limiting direct linkage to a person.

Other options don’t fit as well. Storing identifiers in a separate file with no link to data implies there’s no way to re-link data when needed, which isn’t how controlled de-identification is typically managed. Sharing identifiers publicly would clearly defeat privacy protections.