Which term describes removing identifying information before distribution?

Which term describes removing identifying information before distribution?

• A. Declassification
• B. Data Tag
• C. Deidentification
• D. Data format

Answer: (C)

Removing identifying information before distribution describes deidentification. It involves stripping out direct identifiers like names and unique IDs and reducing or masking indirect identifiers such as dates, locations, or specific attributes so the data can’t be linked back to an individual. This process lets data be used for analysis or research while protecting privacy, by keeping useful patterns in the data but removing identity clues. Techniques include removing or replacing direct identifiers, using pseudonyms, and generalizing details (for example, using age ranges or broader geographic areas) to limit re-identification risk. The other terms don’t fit because declassification refers to changing security status, a data tag isn’t a standard privacy term for removing identifiers, and data format relates to how data is encoded rather than protecting privacy.

Removing identifying information before distribution describes deidentification. It involves stripping out direct identifiers like names and unique IDs and reducing or masking indirect identifiers such as dates, locations, or specific attributes so the data can’t be linked back to an individual. This process lets data be used for analysis or research while protecting privacy, by keeping useful patterns in the data but removing identity clues. Techniques include removing or replacing direct identifiers, using pseudonyms, and generalizing details (for example, using age ranges or broader geographic areas) to limit re-identification risk. The other terms don’t fit because declassification refers to changing security status, a data tag isn’t a standard privacy term for removing identifiers, and data format relates to how data is encoded rather than protecting privacy.