Pseudonymisation versus anonymisation

Since the introduction of GDPR and ePrivacy, the bar for data privacy is set high.
The discussion about the terms anonymization and pseudonymization of personal data is omnipresent, and yet the meaning is not entirely clear to everyone. Today we want to provide some clarity:

Anonymization

Alteration of personal data in such a way that this data can no longer be attributed to a specific or identifiable natural person by any means whatsoever and in an irreversible manner. Due to the trade-off between the complete anonymization and the minimum usability, complete anonymization is practically unfeasable for any complex database. By analogy, a burned letter is fully anonymized, but is nonetheless unusable.

Pseudonymization

Alteration of personal data in such a way that this data can no longer be attributed to a specific or identifiable natural person without additional information. If this additional information is stored securely, it is possible to prevent the reidentification of the individual. This is how JENTIS makes it possible for website operators to tread on legally solid ground without being exposed to the legal uncertainties surrounding international data transfers.