Sekretulisering

Sekretulisering is a term used in information governance, archival science and data protection to describe the process of rendering information secret or protected in order to safeguard confidentiality while preserving usefulness. The term is not universally defined and can have different emphases depending on context, but it generally refers to methods that limit exposure of sensitive information in documents, datasets, or communications.

Techniques commonly associated with sekretulisering include redaction (removing or obscuring sensitive parts of text), pseudonymization (replacing identifying elements with substitutes that remain consistent within a set), anonymization (removing data that could lead to re-identification), encryption (protecting data so that only authorized parties can access it), and access controls combined with data minimization (restricting who can view data and limiting what is collected).

Applications span government archives, legal proceedings, healthcare, journalism, and research. The aim is to balance openness and accountability with privacy and safety: public records can be made usable without disclosing personal data; research data can be shared in a manner that protects participants; and clinical or governmental communications can be safeguarded against unauthorized access.

Legal and ethical considerations include compliance with data protection regulations (such as GDPR), ensuring transparency where appropriate, and avoiding over-secreting that could undermine accountability. Critics warn against vague application, uneven standards, and the risk that excessive sekretulisering reduces public trust or operational usefulness. Related concepts include redaction, data masking, de-identification, and data protection practices.