Anonymizing, are you still doing it manually?
Anonymizing—there have been some improvements in recent years…
When you receive a FOIA request, do you still print everything out and grab a marker?
Probably not, and nowadays, it can be done even better with anonymization via EasyData.
To introduce you to this, we’ve integrated our AI and language models.
You can test this innovative system for free.
Wait, is this a Cloud solution?
Absolutely! You only pay for what you use—nothing more.
And we offer you the flexibility to use exactly the tools that fit your needs.
Why “tools”? I just want to anonymize!
Yes, but you might also want to remove less visible information from correspondence.
Does it have to be in the Cloud?
Most EasyData services can also be installed On-Premise.
However, the Cloud provides a solid foundation to quickly test your solution in practice.
Anonymization in Europe
EasyData is a Dutch company with 25+ years of experience in modern software development.
We develop our own algorithms, allowing us—alongside major tech companies—to provide you with working solutions. This way, we always offer a solution tailored to your needs and can advise you independently on the best anonymization solution for your organization, regardless of your platform or vendor.
Anonymization goes beyond just text documents
We also handle technical drawings containing sensitive data that shouldn’t be shared. For years, we’ve trained algorithms for true recognition of technical drawings. This technology, combined with other machine learning models developed by EasyData, is also integrated into our anonymization solution.
We Make Extra Features Standard
For the anonymization process, each document is digitally analyzed. The additional data generated from this is automatically made available to the user. You can use this information, for example, to classify the document or instantly generate a summary of it.
Anonymization with Artificial Intelligence and Language Processing
At EasyData, anonymization naturally relies on AI and advanced language processing. The good news? We don’t depend on ChatGPT or other big tech companies for this. We’re transparent, and our technology keeps your data secure in our data center. Prefer to host our model within your own organization? That’s also possible. Ask us about the options we can offer you.
The Advantage? We Can Train Custom Models for Your Documents
For instance, if you need to anonymize technical drawings—something most anonymization solutions struggle with—EasyData can train a dedicated model for it. We have extensive experience in this area.
“I don’t work with sensitive data”
You might think so, but in reality, nearly half of all well-trained professionals in our economy unintentionally share sensitive information at some point. Our service provides an easy solution—cost-effective and delivering added value without extra effort on your part.
That’s what good anonymization software does for you
Good anonymization software must protect sensitive data without rendering it useless. It starts by detecting personal and privacy-sensitive information in a dataset—think names, addresses, phone numbers, or ID numbers. Then, it replaces this data with anonymous values, such as random codes or fake names, ensuring the original information can never be retrieved.
The key? The software must be smart enough to recognize not just exact matches but also variations and incomplete data. In short, it needs to be precise enough to ensure privacy but not so strict that the data loses its analytical value.
Anonymization is smarter software
Anonymization means deploying intelligent software that keeps the original content usable for analysis or research. That’s the expertise we bring at EasyData—executing a smart, well-designed anonymization process.
We ensure that key patterns and relationships in the original data remain intact. Our unique online verification module, EasyVerify, lets users confirm whether everything was anonymized correctly. Because trust should never be guesswork.
Anonymization and Classification
What if you’d like to not only anonymize documents but also classify them? This can be quite useful, and we’re happy to explain how this process fundamentally works.
Let’s start with anonymization. Our anonymization solution doesn’t initially know what type of document is being submitted for processing. The algorithm also doesn’t automatically recognize which specific information in that document is sensitive. For example:
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In an invoice, the customer name or bank account number might be considered sensitive.
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In an insurance contract submitted for anonymization, the focus might be on personal data or signatures.
The anonymization software replaces this sensitive information with anonymous values—such as random codes or pseudonyms—ensuring the original data can no longer be traced.
This is What Smart Anonymization Software Does
Intelligent anonymization software interprets documents contextually. Take an invoice, for instance—why shouldn’t it be automatically recognized? This way, our anonymization portal lets you seamlessly access multiple services. The key is that we understand what type of document or data is being submitted.
Another great advantage of EasyData’s technology is its ability to recognize variations or incomplete data. For example:
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Misspelled names
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Partial addresses
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Other irregularities
Additionally, our system is designed to automatically adapt to your specific workflow. If certain information is important for analysis or processes, the software ensures it remains anonymous yet fully usable.
Because true anonymization shouldn’t compromise utility—it should enhance it.
How Did We Arrive at This Practical Solution?
The history of anonymization software essentially begins with the rise of digital data and the growing need for privacy protection. In the early days of computing, data was primarily processed manually. Tools like EasySeparate took the first steps toward automation, though privacy wasn’t yet a major concern. But as businesses and governments increasingly adopted digital systems, the need to protect sensitive information became apparent.
Pseudonymization
As technology advanced, anonymization grew more sophisticated. In the early 2000s, techniques like pseudonymization emerged—where data is replaced with fake names or codes. At EasyData, we received requests for automated data masking, with the challenge being to conceal private information as effectively as possible in a largely automated process.
The Government Boosts Anonymization Developments
During this period, we—alongside our clients—began exploring ways to retain data without sensitive personal details while still preserving its utility. After all, anonymized data can remain valuable. Just consider the flood of requests under Open Government regulations.
Beyond government-driven motivations, businesses also started considering how to maintain data usability after stripping it of private information. At EasyData, we turned this challenge into an opportunity—developing intelligent solutions that balance privacy and practicality.
Anonymous Datasets Are Valuable for Analysis
With the advent of big data and machine learning in the 2010s, anonymization became even smarter. Software could now recognize not just exact data points but also patterns and variations within datasets. This made it possible to anonymize more complex data—such as medical records or financial transactions—without losing the essence of the information.
Anonymization Today
Today, anonymization software is an indispensable tool, especially due to stricter privacy laws like the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). Modern solutions use advanced techniques such as differential privacy and synthetic data, ensuring that information remains not just anonymous but also protected against emerging risks like re-identification.
Differential Privacy
This method protects data in a way that allows useful insights to be extracted while preventing the identification of specific individuals. Imagine asking a group to share their salaries—but in a way where no one can trace which salary belongs to whom. The goal is to reveal trends and averages while safeguarding individual privacy. This is particularly valuable for sensitive data, such as medical or financial records.
Synthetic Data
A clever term for artificial data. Synthetic data mimics real data but is entirely computer-generated. Think of it like making a copy of a key: it functions the same way but isn’t the original.
Ensuring Data Can’t Be Traced Back
For example, take a dataset containing customer names, ages, and purchase histories. Synthetic data would generate a new dataset with the same patterns and trends, but all details—names, ages, transactions—are fabricated. Researchers can still analyze, say, why a specific youth demographic shops online more frequently, but the individual data points can’t be linked to real people.
Because privacy shouldn’t block progress—it should enable it responsibly.
Anonymization Helps Prevent Data Breaches
In a world where data is becoming increasingly important, protecting personal information is crucial. One of the most effective ways to prevent data breaches is simply by anonymizing data. What isn’t there can’t be stolen.
Anonymization is an essential tool in the fight against data leaks. It safeguards individual privacy and reduces risks for organizations. By removing or masking sensitive information, you ensure data remains secure—even if something goes wrong. With EasyData’s anonymization service, it’s a small effort with a big impact!
We Keep Developing and Innovating!
With this article, we aim to show how anonymization software has evolved from a simple solution into a smart, advanced technology that combines privacy and ease of use. This fascinating evolution is still ongoing, naturally adapting to the needs of our society.
Want to experience firsthand what our anonymization software can do for you? Request a test account and discover what technology can achieve for your organization!
Because protecting data shouldn’t be complicated—it should be effortless and effective.