Pseudonymisation is a privacy-enhancing process that replaces identifiable information about individuals—such as names, addresses, or NHS numbers—with unique codes or pseudonyms. This ensures that it is impossible to identify an individual without access to the separate information needed to decode these pseudonyms.
For example, a researcher on Crowdwise is working on a project and recruiting participants to share their medical data on our platform. Instead of sharing names or addresses with the researcher, we can assign pseudonyms to the participants. Only we can keep the information linking these pseudonyms to specific individuals. This means that while the data can still be analyzed and used for decision-making, the privacy of individuals is protected because their identities remain concealed.
It's important to understand that pseudonymised data is still considered personal data under data protection laws, as the potential exists to re-identify someone if the pseudonymisation key is accessed or other matching records are in the possession of a researcher. That's why we do not allow data to be downloaded and compared with other records, which can allow for re-identification. For this reason, the key must be securely stored and kept separate from the data shared for analysis or collaboration. This strict separation of both the key and other external data from our Secure Data Environment (SDE) ensures that only authorized individuals within our organization can re-identify individuals when necessary.
Pseudonymisation strikes a balance between the need to use data for important purposes and the obligation to respect and protect individual privacy. By using pseudonymised data, organizations like Crowdwise can foster collaboration and innovation while giving participants the reassurance that their identities remain safeguarded.
In essence, pseudonymisation combined with not allowing access to your data outside of a Secure Data Environment (SDE) means your data can contribute to meaningful progress while your privacy stays intact.
More information on pseudoanonymisation practices: england.nhs.uk/long-read/information-governance-and-data-protection
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CrowdWise, is for research and educational purposes only. We do not provide medical advice, and all researchers are required to use CrowdWise solely for research purposes. Researchers are prohibited from offering medical advice.
