3. Anonymization objectives and evaluation criteria

3.1 Anonymization objectives

Anonymization has a dual purpose:

1. Protecting the identity of data subjects;

2. Ensure data usability for target needs.

Indeed, anonymization involves altering data through transformations designed to reduce the risk of re-identification; however, if the transformations are not calibrated to the target need, the data, once anonymized, may become unusable. It is therefore not enough to transform data to protect individuals, but we must also ensure that the data remains usable. Anonymization therefore comes down to finding the best compromise between protection of the individuals concerned and usability of the data (figure