An open-government release is the file an agency gives in answer to a state request. Each State Public Records Act exempts certain PII from disclosure. anonym.plus marks that data on your own device, so the disclosure meets the local rule.
When this applies
A resident requests agency files under the state act. The pages hold home addresses, Social Security numbers, and minors' names that the act exempts.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Open the requested file in anonym.plus on your device.
- The tool flags names, addresses, IDs, and dates.
- Match each flag to your state's exemption list.
- Black out the exempt PII; leave the open data.
- Review the page so nothing exempt slips through.
- Save the cleared file on your machine.
What you need to provide
- The requested file (PDF, DOCX, TXT, or scan).
- An operator: Redact for the released copy.
- Optional rules to keep officials' titles, not PII.
PII entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Names | PERSON | resident name → [PERSON] |
| Identifiers | US_SSN | 078-05-1120 → [SSN] |
| Location | LOCATION | home address → [ADDRESS] |
| Names | PERSON | minor's name → [MINOR] |
| Contact | PHONE_NUMBER | personal cell → [PHONE] |
| Accounts | US_BANK_NUMBER | account no. → [ACCOUNT] |
Compliance achieved
- Supports exemptions under your State Public Records Act.
- Hides PII the statute exempts while open data stays visible.
- Offline work keeps the source file inside the agency.
- 340+ entity types cover IDs, contacts, and locations.
Anonymize open-government releases offline — see plans & start free →
Limitations & cautions
State acts differ on what is exempt. The tool flags PII; which fields you may withhold is set by your statute and a legal judgment. It cannot read your state's exemption list for you. Confirm each call against the act.
Frequently asked questions
Do all states exempt the same data?
No. Each state act has its own exemptions. anonym.plus flags candidate PII so you apply the specific list your statute defines.
Can I keep officials' names in the release?
Often yes. An elected or staff official acting in their role is usually disclosable. Use an allow-list to keep titles while you redact private residents' details.
Is the source ever uploaded?
No. The app runs offline, so the agency file stays on your device throughout the review.