What is the difference between anonymization and pseudonymization?

Can you explain the difference between anonymization and pseudonymization?

Sure! Anonymization removes all personally identifiable information, making it impossible to identify individuals. Pseudonymization, on the other hand, replaces identifiable information with pseudonyms, allowing for re-identification if necessary.

Why would someone choose pseudonymization over anonymization?

Pseudonymization is often chosen when data needs to be processed or analyzed while still allowing for potential re-identification, such as in research or healthcare.

Are there any legal implications for using either method?

Yes, both methods have different legal implications under data protection laws. Anonymized data is generally not considered personal data, while pseudonymized data still falls under regulations like GDPR.

Can you give me examples of when to use each method?

Certainly! Use anonymization for public datasets where privacy is crucial, and pseudonymization for internal data analysis where you might need to trace back to individuals.