pseudonymizationsuch

Pseudonymization is a data protection technique that replaces directly identifying information with artificial identifiers, known as pseudonyms. This process makes it more difficult to attribute specific data to an individual without additional information. The key characteristic of pseudonymization is that the original identifying data is kept separate from the pseudonymized data, typically in a secure, encrypted format. This separation ensures that if the pseudonymized data is compromised, the direct link to the individual remains protected.

Pseudonymization is often employed in contexts where data needs to be processed or analyzed for purposes such as research, statistical analysis, or testing, but direct identification of individuals is undesirable or legally restricted. It is a common measure recommended by data protection regulations like the GDPR to enhance privacy. Unlike anonymization, pseudonymization still allows for a degree of re-identification if the link between the pseudonym and the original identifier is known. This makes it a flexible approach, balancing privacy needs with the utility of data for further processing. The effectiveness of pseudonymization relies heavily on the security of the method used to generate and store the pseudonyms and the original identifiers.