WorldAugust 12, 2026

anonymization

uh-non-ih-mih-ZAY-shun

Definition

The process of removing personally identifiable information from datasets so that the individuals to whom the data relates cannot be easily identified.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek prefix 'an-' (without) and 'onoma' (name), the term was coined in the late 20th century to describe the technical practice of stripping identifiers from information to protect privacy.

In the news

The article argues that anonymization is insufficient for national security because, even without names, precise location and behavioral patterns can still be used to track military personnel and reconstruct sensitive intelligence.

Closing the Front Door: The Case for DOJ’s Bulk Data Security Program

Read the full article ↗

Lawfare

Related words

absolutism

A form of government or political system in which total, unchecked power is vested in a…

World

colonizes

To settle in, infiltrate, or take over an area or domain, often gradually spreading into…

World

commandeering

The act of federal authorities compelling state or local governments to implement,…

World

counterintelligence

The practice of gathering information and conducting activities to prevent a hostile…

World

crossbench

Referring to a member of a legislative body, such as the UK House of Lords, who is not…

World

deidentification

The process of removing or modifying personal identifiers from a dataset so that the…

World

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.