Without a doubt, it is impossible to mention data anonymization without considering the LGPD - General Data Protection Law, which came into force in the middle of last year and whose mission is to control rights over users' information.

To learn more about the issue, continue reading and check out the article that the CodeBlog team has prepared for you.

About the LGPD

In general, the LGPD allows data subjects to verify their data at any time and ensures users' rights to access how their information is processed on websites, applications, marketplaces, and more.

In addition, the LGPD also enables information providers to know how and with whom their data has been shared and to, at any time, update, correct, transfer, delete, and even invalidate their consent, which, by the way, is what drives the purpose of the law.

Punishments for companies and organizations that breach the Law range from small warnings to fines equivalent to 2% of annual net revenue, capped at R$ 50 million. Another way of applying the penalty includes public exposure of the infraction and the removal of data from the company's system.

About data anonymization

In general, data anonymization is part of a process capable of removing personal data from a specific database. In this context, personal data is considered any information that allows the identification of a person, such as full name, CPF or RG number, date of birth, address, gender, etc.

Also known as data masking or data sanitization, anonymization, one of the updates of the LGPD, is essential to ensure the security of user data and avoid the inappropriate use of information.

Anonymization and pseudo-anonymization

As these are two terms frequently present in the General Data Protection Law, it is necessary to highlight that anonymization and pseudo-anonymization indicate distinct processes.

This is because anonymization aims to completely detach personal data from the owner, as a way of ensuring their integrity and protecting their identity – given that, according to the Law, no company can expose this information improperly.

As such, it is not possible to trace anonymized data without violating the rules included in the General Data Protection Law.

On the other hand, pseudo-anonymization does not completely decouple the user from the data, which in this case can still be accessed or altered using different access keys stored in separate databases, with no relation between them.

Techniques for data anonymization

Although anonymized data is no longer protected by the LGPD, it is essential to have knowledge of the techniques adopted in the processes to guarantee that information is not exposed and to avoid the application of fines and other penalties or sanctions to your company or organization.

In addition, the practice is also fundamental in the execution of an organization's internal processes to certify correct compliance with the law.

Among the most widely adopted anonymization techniques are:

Cryptography

When HASH algorithms are applied, converting personal data into a group of random and irreversible characters so that the information remains fully confidential and hidden from controllers.

Generalization

Occurs when personal data is replaced with more generic information, to make clear identification of the user impossible. (For example, when the full address is replaced by the ZIP code).

Perturbation

The technique integrates what is called "data masking," where real information is replaced by dummy information using randomized algorithms, also known by the acronym RDP (Random Data Perturbation).

However, this method can only be used for anonymization if the algorithm used really does not allow, in any way, the reconstruction or recovery of the original data.

Anonymization is a reality!

If the LGPD is an obligation, it is fair to say that data anonymization is already a reality for organizations across various sectors of the economy. After all, the resource actively contributes to the development and improvement of technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and also helps in detecting consumer habits, profiles, behaviors, and much more.

For this reason, when carrying out anonymization, public and private companies take a step forward in security, improve processes, and generate more value to the business, directly impacting the trust and experience of consumers, investors, and suppliers.

Conclusion

We hope this article has been useful for a better understanding of data anonymization and context on the process in relation to the LGPD.

If you would like to know more about the resources available for aligning with the General Data Protection Law, get in touch with the specialist team at CodeBit and discover all the tailor-made solutions to meet your needs.

Furthermore, keep an eye on CodeBlog. Soon, we will have plenty of news here.

Warm regards, and see you in the next post.