De-Identification & Data Masking
Develop de-identification strategies that replace identifying information with consistent pseudonyms while preserving document utility for training and research.
60-75% reduction in de-identification planning
Comprehensive identifier coverage
Data Security & Privacy
The Problem
- ✗Preserving document utility
- ✗Consistent identifier replacement
- ✗Linkage risk assessment
- ✗Re-identification prevention
- ✗Compliance verification
How Claude Helps
Claude assists with de-identification strategy and execution. It identifies direct and indirect identifiers, develops de-identification strategy, creates consistent replacement, assesses re-identification risk, and documents approach.
Step-by-Step Workflow
Assess de-identification need
Determine purpose and scope of de-identification
Identify all identifiers
Claude finds direct and indirect identifying information
Develop replacement strategy
Create consistent pseudonym and generalization plan
Apply de-identification
Execute replacements across document set
Assess re-identification risk
Evaluate linkage risks and validate approach
Example Prompt
Develop a de-identification plan for sharing case documents: CONTEXT: - Sharing litigation documents for training purposes - Must remove party identification - Need to preserve factual narrative - 50 documents in set DE-IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 1. DIRECT IDENTIFIERS - Party names → Consistent pseudonyms - Addresses → Generic locations - Dates → Relative timeframes - Financial amounts → Ranges 2. INDIRECT IDENTIFIERS - Job titles → Generic equivalents - Company descriptions → Industry categories - Unique facts → Generalized 3. CONSISTENCY PLAN - Same entity gets same pseudonym - Preserve relationships - Maintain narrative coherence 4. REPLACEMENT MAPPING | Original | Replacement | Category | 5. RE-IDENTIFICATION ASSESSMENT - Linkage risks - Unique combinations - Public information 6. DOCUMENTATION - De-identification log - Methodology description - Use restrictions Generate de-identification protocol and mapping template.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference from redaction?
Redaction removes information. De-identification replaces it to preserve utility.
How do I prevent re-identification?
Assess unique identifier combinations. Claude helps identify risks.
What standards apply?
HIPAA Safe Harbor, Expert Determination, or other standards depending on context.