In the context of data ethics, what does “data anonymization” refer to?

Creating data backups
Sharing data publicly
Adding personal identifiers to data
Removing or altering personal identifiers from data to protect privacy

The correct answer is: D. Removing or altering personal identifiers from data to protect privacy.

Data anonymization is the process of removing or altering personal identifiers from data to protect privacy. This can be done by removing names, addresses, phone numbers, and other identifying information from data sets. Data anonymization is important because it can help to protect people’s privacy and prevent identity theft.

Option A is incorrect because creating data backups is not the same as data anonymization. Data backups are copies of data that are stored in a safe place in case the original data is lost or damaged. Data anonymization is the process of removing or altering personal identifiers from data to protect privacy.

Option B is incorrect because sharing data publicly is not the same as data anonymization. Sharing data publicly means making data available to anyone who wants to access it. Data anonymization is the process of removing or altering personal identifiers from data to protect privacy.

Option C is incorrect because adding personal identifiers to data is not the same as data anonymization. Adding personal identifiers to data means adding information that can be used to identify individuals, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers. Data anonymization is the process of removing or altering personal identifiers from data to protect privacy.