What does the term 'pseudonymization' mean?

What does the term 'pseudonymization' mean?

• A. Encrypting personal data for security
• B. Processing data without any identifier attached
• C. Data that can be linked to an individual with additional information
• D. Data that is permanently anonymized

Answer: (C)

Pseudonymization refers to a data processing technique where identifiable information is replaced with a unique identifier or pseudonym, allowing the data to remain linked to an individual without direct identification. This means that while the data is still associated with a specific individual, it cannot be easily attributed to that person without additional information that serves as a key. Choosing the option that states "data that can be linked to an individual with additional information" accurately captures the essence of pseudonymization. The process is designed to enhance privacy by protecting personal data from trivial access while retaining the possibility to re-identify the data if necessary through supplementary information. The other options do not accurately reflect the concept of pseudonymization. Encrypting personal data (the first option) provides a security measure but does not specifically pertain to the linkage or identification aspect central to pseudonymization. Processing data without identifiers (the second option) leans toward data masking or anonymization, which removes the potential for identification altogether. Permanently anonymized data (the fourth option) indicates a complete removal of personal identifiers, which contradicts the principle of pseudonymization that allows for possible re-identification.

Pseudonymization refers to a data processing technique where identifiable information is replaced with a unique identifier or pseudonym, allowing the data to remain linked to an individual without direct identification. This means that while the data is still associated with a specific individual, it cannot be easily attributed to that person without additional information that serves as a key.

Choosing the option that states "data that can be linked to an individual with additional information" accurately captures the essence of pseudonymization. The process is designed to enhance privacy by protecting personal data from trivial access while retaining the possibility to re-identify the data if necessary through supplementary information.

The other options do not accurately reflect the concept of pseudonymization. Encrypting personal data (the first option) provides a security measure but does not specifically pertain to the linkage or identification aspect central to pseudonymization. Processing data without identifiers (the second option) leans toward data masking or anonymization, which removes the potential for identification altogether. Permanently anonymized data (the fourth option) indicates a complete removal of personal identifiers, which contradicts the principle of pseudonymization that allows for possible re-identification.