Pseudonimiseerimine

Pseudonimiseerimine, also known as pseudonymization, is a data processing technique used to enhance privacy and data protection by replacing identifiable information with pseudonyms or artificial identifiers. Unlike anonymization, which irreversibly removes identifying details, pseudonimiseerimine retains the ability to re-identify data subjects through additional information held separately, making it a reversible process that allows for data recovery when necessary.

This method is commonly employed in privacy-preserving data analysis, research, and sharing, where maintaining data utility while reducing privacy risks is critical. It helps organizations comply with privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which encourages the use of technical measures that protect individual privacy. Pseudonimiseerimine reduces the risk of data breaches by limiting the exposure of personally identifiable information (PII), while still enabling meaningful data processing.

The process involves applying a pseudonymization algorithm, which typically replaces sensitive fields with pseudonyms generated through hashing, encryption, or substitution techniques. The key or link between the pseudonyms and the original data must be securely stored and managed to ensure controlled re-identification when authorized.

While pseudonimiseerimine provides significant privacy benefits, it is not fully anonymized data. Consequently, additional safeguards and security measures are necessary to prevent unauthorized re-identification. Overall, pseudonimiseerimine serves as a valuable tool in data privacy strategies, balancing data utility and protection in various digital and organizational contexts.

Sources: European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), GDPR guidelines, academic literature on data anonymization and privacy techniques.