A public register release is the extract an authority discloses from a held roll. FOIA 2000 and the EIR 2004 exempt certain PII, such as a National Insurance number or a private address. anonym.plus marks that PII on your own device, so the record stays inside the authority while you review it.
When this applies
A requester asks for an extract from the list. It carries full names, a NINO, contact details, and exact dates the rules may restrict.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Open the extract in anonym.plus on your device.
- Local OCR reads scanned pages from the roll.
- The tool flags names, NINOs, dates, and addresses.
- Match each flag to the personal-data exemption.
- Black out the exempt PII, then check the page.
- Save the cleared extract on your machine.
What you need to provide
- The extract (PDF, scan, or data export).
- An operator: Redact for the public copy.
- Optional date-broaden rule where the rules allow.
PII entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Names | PERSON | subject name → [PERSON] |
| Identifiers | UK_NINO | the NINO → [NINO] |
| Dates | DATE_TIME | exact DOB → [DATE] |
| Names | PERSON | associated parties → [PERSON] |
| Location | LOCATION | residence → [ADDRESS] |
| Identifiers | NATIONAL_ID | register entry no. → [ID] |
Compliance achieved
- Supports exemptions under FOIA 2000 / EIR 2004.
- Hides NINOs and other PII the rules restrict.
- Offline work keeps the record inside the authority.
- Local OCR reads scanned pages for review.
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Limitations & cautions
Rules vary by register and by entry age. What you may disclose is a legal call. The tool flags PII but cannot read the regime that governs the roll. A historic entry and a current one may follow different rules.
Frequently asked questions
Are old entries still restricted?
It depends on the register and the entry's age. Some open after a set period. anonym.plus flags PII so you apply the right age and exemption rules.
Is the National Insurance number always removed?
Most rules restrict a full NINO in public releases. The tool flags them so you can redact or mask under the right regime.
Can it read a scanned page from the roll?
Yes. Local OCR reads scanned and photographed pages, so PII in images is flagged.