Structured-data de-identification is the removal of personal details from a database export so it is no longer personal information under GDPR Recital 26. anonym.plus does this on a local device, keeping the column structure.
When this applies
A production may include a database export with thousands of rows. Once it is truly anonymous under Recital 26, it falls outside GDPR for second uses.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Point anonym.plus at the export on your device.
- It maps ID fields and free-text values.
- The tool flags names, IDs, and contacts per field.
- Swap them with the reversible map turned off.
- Confirm no re-link key is left behind.
- Save the anonymous dataset on your device.
What you need to provide
- The export (CSV, JSON, or SQL dump).
- A field map for known ID values.
- Replace with the map off for true anonymity.
PII entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Names | PERSON | name field → [PERSON_n] |
| Identifiers | US_SSN | ssn field → [SSN] |
| Contact | EMAIL_ADDRESS | email field → [EMAIL] |
| Dates | DATE_TIME | dob field → [DOB] |
| Location | LOCATION | address field → [ADDRESS] |
| Account | US_BANK_NUMBER | account field → [ACCOUNT] |
Compliance achieved
- True anonymity puts the dataset outside scope by GDPR Recital 26.
- Keeps the table structure for lawful second uses.
- On-device work supports EU data residency.
Anonymize structured datasets offline — see plans & start free →
Limitations & cautions
True anonymity is a high bar. A unique row, like one rare value in a small group, can re-identify even after direct IDs go. If you keep a reversible key, the data is pseudonymous and stays in scope. Weigh the residual risk first.
Frequently asked questions
When is a structured export truly anonymous?
When no one can reasonably re-identify any row. That means no kept key and low risk from rare value combinations. Only then does Recital 26 take it out of scope.
Anonymous or pseudonymous — what is the difference?
Pseudonymous output keeps a key that can re-link rows, so it stays personal data. Anonymous output drops that key for good.
Does it read SQL dumps?
Yes. CSV, JSON, and SQL exports are supported, with a field map for known IDs.