Redaction

Redaction is the process of concealing or removing confidential information from a document or other media before its publication or release. This is typically done to protect sensitive details, such as personal information (names, addresses, social security numbers), trade secrets, classified government data, or anything deemed private. The goal of redaction is to balance the need for transparency with the necessity of safeguarding sensitive information, often applied when responding to information requests or for legal compliance.

Redaction meaning with examples

• The government agency performed a thorough redaction of the report, removing any names, addresses, and other personally identifiable information to protect citizen privacy. This ensures that while the public can access the document, private details remain confidential. The agency meticulously followed all regulations.
• Before releasing the manuscript, the author made a redaction to remove any references that would compromise the identity of the sources she used for her work. This was critical to safeguard the integrity of her research and maintain the confidentiality of her contacts. It involved a time-consuming process.
• Following the legal proceedings, the law firm completed the redaction of all sensitive emails and documents before presenting the file in court. This protected sensitive information from the opposing council and to ensure that privacy was maintained throughout the case. Many hours were spent.
• As per the company's security protocols, the IT department undertook a rigorous redaction process of all files containing employee salary information prior to the documents going out. This prevented any unauthorized dissemination of sensitive data within the organization. This helps maintain employee confidentiality.
• The journalist practiced meticulous redaction when preparing her expose, deleting specific details that would reveal confidential sources who provided information. This ensured that the sources and details are not revealed to the public and this was the foundation of her investigative reporting work.