Data Anonymization

Data anonymization: see the word “anonymous” in there. It carries the goal of protecting one’s privacy.

For example, rather than using someone’s name or other identifying information in a medical study, each participant is assigned a number. Ever hear the song, "I Feel Like a Number"? Yeah. YouTube it.

Data anonymization is also used by financial institutions, and at times by digital media, when sharing information between industries, or between divisions within the same company. Names, social security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses are not shown or are otherwise encrypted to protect from hackers.