What is Data Anonymization?

Introduction to data anonymization

While sharing research data and findings is considered good practice for research reproducibility, it is essential to take precautions to ensure research is conducted ethically, responsibly, and securely. Sensitive data must be handled with care to protect participant privacy and confidentiality and to comply with ethical and legal standards. If such data is leaked, it can cause significant harm, including the disclosure of identities, which may negatively impact individuals, communities, or animals involved in the research.

Terminology

In UBC terminology (Information Technology Standard U1), sensitive data is classified as medium risk, high risk, or very high risk. For the purposes of this workshop, however, we will use the term “sensitive data” to align with the terminology in Sensitive Data: Practical and Theoretical Considerations (Rod & Thompson, 2023, pp. 251-273). In this context, these terms will be treated as equivalent.

Governance of sensitive data

Who governs sensitive data? It is most often that the legalities, policies, and regulations of sensitive research data are governed on a provincial, territorial, and/or institutional level. Sometimes, there may be instances where the federal government is involved.

Indigenous research data

There are specific considerations and protocols for Indigenous research data collection, use, and sharing. Ensure that you’re engaging with Indigenous communities, collectives, and/or organizations to have your project align with Indigenous data sovereignty.

UBC’s Indigenous Research Support Initiative (IRSI) published its own principles for Indigenous data governance. Please visit the IRSI website for more information related to engagement principles, data governance, and ethics
The First Nations Principles of OCAP for data governance by the First Nations Information Governance Centre
The National Inuit Strategy on Research
The Principles of Métis Ethical Research
The CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance

Three interdependent workshops on Data Anonymization:

In these three workshops, we will introduce the fundamentals of data anonymization. The first session covers key concepts and practical definitions, the second focuses on manual techniques for de-identifying data, and the third explores software-based approaches to anonymization. Please note that all workshops are introductory; for more advanced guidance, refer to the links provided at the end of each session.

Need help?

Please reach out to research.data@ubc.ca for assistance with any of your research data questions.