Which de-identification technique involves replacing direct identifiers with pseudonyms?

Which de-identification technique involves replacing direct identifiers with pseudonyms?

• A. Remove direct identifiers
• B. Masking
• C. Pseudonymization
• D. Data minimization

Answer: (C)

Replacing direct identifiers with pseudonyms keeps the data usable for analysis while protecting the person’s real identity. By substituting names or ID fields with artificial IDs, a separate secure key or mapping links each pseudonym to the actual identity. Authorized users can re-identify if needed, but the released data remains unlinkable in general. This is why pseudonymization fits the description: it creates a reversible link via a key, balancing privacy with analytic usefulness. Removing direct identifiers eliminates the identifiers altogether and typically removes the ability to re-link records. Masking hides values (often partially) without establishing a stable, re-linkable substitute. Data minimization focuses on limiting the amount of data collected rather than replacing identifiers with pseudonyms.

Replacing direct identifiers with pseudonyms keeps the data usable for analysis while protecting the person’s real identity. By substituting names or ID fields with artificial IDs, a separate secure key or mapping links each pseudonym to the actual identity. Authorized users can re-identify if needed, but the released data remains unlinkable in general. This is why pseudonymization fits the description: it creates a reversible link via a key, balancing privacy with analytic usefulness. Removing direct identifiers eliminates the identifiers altogether and typically removes the ability to re-link records. Masking hides values (often partially) without establishing a stable, re-linkable substitute. Data minimization focuses on limiting the amount of data collected rather than replacing identifiers with pseudonyms.