A business example
An online shop removes names from an order export but keeps phone numbers and delivery addresses.
Original records
Names, contact details and orders relate to individual customers.
Edited export
Names are removed, but phone numbers and addresses remain.
Identification test
The remaining information can still identify customers.
What this shows
Deleting one field does not necessarily anonymise the dataset. Assess what the remaining fields reveal together.
What it is often confused with
Removing a name does not necessarily make a record anonymous if the individual can still be identified.
What to look at in your business
Map the fields held, purposes, access and retention arrangements.
Context and further reading
MeitY: Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. This reference supports the terminology; use the linked guide for applicability and operative requirements.
Kosha.Services · Updated 2 October 2026