5. Evaluation of data anonymization

Evaluation plays a central role in the anonymization process, as it is here that the quality of the procedure is attested. In practice, anonymization takes place in several cycles, alternating between transformations and evaluations. Evaluation metrics are therefore the compass for anonymization. They guide the anonymization process.

Anonymization is assessed from two angles:

• privacy risk assessment ;

• evaluation of data usability.

Generally speaking, the reduction in privacy risks leads to a reduction in data usability. This can be mitigated by an appropriate choice of anonymization method and associated parameters.