Bates-stamped redaction is the removal of personal data from numbered production pages, which you track under FRCP 34. anonym.plus runs locally and leaves each stamp untouched, so the production index still holds.
When this applies
These numbers index every produced page for later reference. You must clear the PII on each page without disturbing the stamp that keys it.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Load the stamped pages into anonym.plus on your device.
- It maps the stamp zone so the number stays untouched.
- The tool flags names, dates, and IDs in the body.
- Confirm the flags away from the stamp area.
- Redact or mask each confirmed item.
- Save the clean pages on your device.
What you need to provide
- The stamped pages (PDF or image scan).
- An operator; Redact for a clean black-box on disclosure.
- A reserved zone so the number is never touched.
PII entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Names | PERSON | G. Fischer → [NAME] |
| Dates | DATE_TIME | 02 Mar → [DATE] |
| Account | US_BANK_NUMBER | acct 4471 → [ACCOUNT] |
| Contact | PHONE_NUMBER | 040 555 0188 → [PHONE] |
| Identifiers | US_SSN | SSN → [SSN] |
| Document IDs | PERSON | ABC-000142 (kept) → [BATES] |
Compliance achieved
- Removes PII while the page index stays for FRCP 34.
- Reserves the stamp zone so numbers are never altered.
- Local OCR reads scanned pages; nothing is uploaded.
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Limitations & cautions
If the stamp overlaps body text, OCR may confuse the two. Set a reserved zone for the number and check the first page of each batch. A black-box cut must fully cover the value, not just hide it under a flattenable layer.
Frequently asked questions
Will the cut change the Bates numbers?
No. A reserved zone keeps the stamp untouched, so your production index stays valid while the PII on the page is cleared.
Is a black-box truly removed?
Use the Redact operator, which removes the text under the box, not just a drawn overlay that could be peeled back.
Can it read scanned stamped pages?
Yes. Local OCR reads scans, so PII printed on image pages is caught.