As a business owner handling personal data, you must avoid these errors when using pseudonymised data. Some data relate to individuals, customers and clients, while others are confidential and commercial. While most information exists to provide maximum detail, some forms of data aim for the opposite. This article will explore why some companies in England utilise pseudonymised information and the potential legal implications that come with its use. This should enable your business to weigh up the usefulness of pseudonymised data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pseudonymised data is a form of amended information. The main aim of pseudonymisation is to protect the identities of individuals. So, for example, you could amend a list of daily customers to read \u2018purchaser 1\u2019 rather than naming the identifiable natural person. This would mask their identity and make the information more anonymous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This sounds relatively straightforward as, in reality, it is a process within which you substitute identifiable personal information of any data subject for neutral terms. Let us explore a couple of the most significant errors businesses in England make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you are likely aware, the General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) sets data protection rules for businesses in England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are two main types of data under the GDPR, which are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At first glance, many businesses in England believe pseudonymised data constitutes anonymous data. This is because the identifiable information is removed and replaced with a more neutral label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the Information Commissioner\u2019s Office<\/a> (ICO) advises that pseudonymised data is information that has had data removed but is not<\/em> truly anonymous. In essence, it is akin to semi-anonymous information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let us consider how pseudonymised information is semi-anonymous. We will consider an example below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Continue reading this article below the form\n <\/i>\n<\/a>\n