PROTECTING DATA IN THE INFORMATION AGE: WE TRY TO DECIPHER PSEUDONYMISATION AND ANONYMISATION

In a digital age where the daily collection and management of vast amounts of personal data is intertwined with growing and justified privacy and security concerns, pseudonymisation and anonymisation emerge as key tools. The proper adoption of these techniques not only safeguards data, but above all protects fundamental rights such as the privacy and security of the individuals involved, while constantly maintaining the delicate balance between the proper use of data and principles of integrity; while distinct in their application and impact, they share the common goal of protecting personal information from misuse and unauthorized access.

Pseudonymisation, defined in the European Union’s GDPR, involves the adoption of technical solutions aimed at replacing direct identifiers to prevent, without further information, the direct identification of the individual. These types of solutions, when applied correctly, offer an effective balance between the need to protect personal data and the possibility of using it for legitimate purposes, such as analysis and research.

On the other hand, anonymisation permanently and irreversibly removes any identifying trace from the data, turning it into non-personal information. This process, if done correctly, can offer greater freedom in the processing and sharing of data.

In this article, we will explore these two techniques, analyzing them mainly from a design and technology integration point of view. Through some examples, analyzing best practices and also evaluating considerations involving ethical aspects, it will be possible to understand how pseudonymisation and anonymisation, if effectively designed and implemented, can significantly contribute to the correct and responsible use of data in the information age.

Insight into Pseudonymisation

Pseudonymisation is a technical process that aims to reduce the risks associated with the processing of personal data by masking out identifiers that could lead back to a specific individual. This technique differs from anonymisation in that, with additional tools and techniques, it may be possible to link the data back to the original person. In pseudonymisation, clear identifiers such as names, addresses or identification numbers are replaced with codes or pseudonyms.

There are several methodologies for implementing pseudonymisation. For example: 

• Cryptographic hashing transforms data into a seemingly random, but constant string of text for the same input, making it difficult, but not impossible, to trace back to the original information without the hash key.
• Encryption applies algorithms to transform data into a form readable only by those who possess the decryption key.
• Tokenization, another popular technique, replaces sensitive data with tokens that cannot be directly traced back to the original information, but can be mapped to it via a secure token management system.

The main advantage of pseudonymisation is its ability to maintain a certain usefulness of the data for analysis and research, while protecting the identity of individuals. This is particularly relevant in contexts such as healthcare or market research, where data must be used for specific purposes, but the privacy of individuals must be strictly safeguarded.

Pseudonymisation, however, is not without its challenges. The main one is ensuring that the pseudonymisation process is robust enough to prevent re-identification, especially in the presence of other data that, if combined, could reveal an individual’s identity. Therefore, the choice of techniques and their implementation must be carefully evaluated and monitored to ensure an adequate level of data security and compliance with applicable directives.

Insight into Anonymization

Anonymisation is the process that renders personal data completely unrecognizable, eliminating any possible link with an individual’s identity. Unlike pseudonymisation, anonymisation is an irreversible process: once the data has been anonymised, it is no longer possible to trace the identity of the individual. 

Technically, anonymisation can be implemented through various methodologies, each with its own specific approach and level of effectiveness:

• Removal of Identifying Information: removal of data that can be directly linked to the individual, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers or identities. This is the most direct method, but requires care to avoid leaving data that could be combined to identify the individual.
• Statistical bias: slight modification of data to prevent direct association with an individual. Used in statistical analysis where absolute precision is not critical.
• Randomisation: introduction of an element of randomness into the data. It helps to mask patterns that could lead to identification.

Anonymisation is particularly important in areas where privacy is of utmost importance, such as in medical research, where patient data must be used for study purposes without compromising their identity in any way. An effective anonymisation process ensures that data can be used safely and responsibly, significantly reducing the risks of privacy and data security breaches.

Comparison and contexts of use

The choice between pseudonymisation and anonymisation depends on the specific context and objectives of data use. 

Pseudonymisation is preferable when a balance is required between privacy and usefulness of the data, situations where the data must be used for analytical or research purposes, while maintaining a certain degree of traceability for verification or updating purposes. 

Anonymisation, on the other hand, is the ideal choice in contexts where it is not necessary or desirable to maintain any link between the data and the individual, such as in the case of data publications for public use or large-scale studies requiring maximum privacy protection. 

This decision implies a careful assessment of the risks, needs and applicable regulations.

Best Practices

Effectively designing and implementing pseudonymisation and anonymisation techniques requires not only the adoption of best practices that are constantly evolving with the technological state of the art, but also consideration and awareness of the relevant ethical and regulatory aspects. 

It is essential to conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities. The choice of appropriate techniques must be based on the sensitivity of the data and the context of use. In addition, a continuous review of data security strategies is essential to respond to new threats and technological developments. 

Organizations must ensure that consent for the use of data is respected and that the rights and privacy of individuals are constantly safeguarded. Transparency in data management policies and accountability to stakeholders are crucial to build trust and ensure compliance with ethical standards and principles.

Real-world applications

Case studies in the field of healthcare offer concrete and easier-to-understand examples of the importance of pseudonymisation and anonymisation. 

For instance, patient data used in clinical research are often pseudonymised to protect their identity, while allowing the analysis of treatments and health trends.

In academia, however, researchers use anonymised data for large-scale studies, ensuring that personal information cannot be linked back to individuals. 

This possibility of a dualistic approach demonstrates how personal data protection can be effectively integrated into practices that are important for sustainable social and scientific progress, protecting the privacy of the individuals involved while maintaining the usefulness of the data for legitimate purposes.

Final considerations

In conclusion, conscious or not, we are all living through what many call the fourth industrial revolution, characterized by unprecedented advances in data management and analysis, an era in which techniques such as pseudonymisation and anonymisation are emerging as indispensable tools. 

These techniques not only help comply with privacy regulations but also promote a data security conscious culture, which is essential for building public trust in the responsible use of personal information. 

A thorough understanding and proper application of these strategies are indispensable aspects for any organization handling personal data, to ensure effective protection and respect for the rights and ethics of confidentiality and integrity.