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Redacted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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redacted

[rɪˈdæktɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal documents

To redact means to edit a document to remove or obscure sensitive information before publication. This action is commonly employed to protect private or confidential information from being disclosed.

Synonyms

censor, edit, sanitize.

Examples of usage

  • The attorney redacted the defendant's personal details from the file.
  • Sensitive data was redacted from the report before it was released.
  • Public records may need to be redacted to comply with privacy laws.
Context #2 | Verb

information security

In the context of information security, redaction refers to the process of blacking out or removing text from a document to protect sensitive data. This is particularly crucial in government and legal documents.

Synonyms

conceal, hide, mask.

Examples of usage

  • The agency redacted classified information from the document.
  • All financial figures were redacted to ensure confidentiality.
  • The employee was instructed to redact personal identifiers before sharing the report.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • Legal documents frequently use redaction to protect sensitive information like personal details or national security concerns.
  • Certain laws, such as the Freedom of Information Act in the U.S., require government agencies to redact sensitive information before releasing documents to the public.

Pop Culture

  • In films and television, humorous or dramatic redactions can be a plot device, highlighting secrecy or governmental conspiracy.
  • Graphic novels and comics sometimes use striking redaction styles to depict 'classified' information in an artistic manner.

Digital Security

  • With the rise of digital information, electronic redaction tools are increasingly important for editing PDF documents to ensure sensitive information is properly hidden.
  • Improper redaction can lead to leaks of personal or sensitive information, leading to legal consequences.

History

  • During World War II, documents were often redacted to obscure details about military strategies and personnel.
  • The Watergate scandal led to heavy redaction in numerous documents, highlighting the issues of transparency and accountability in government.

Origin of 'redacted'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'redacted' comes from the Latin word 'redigere', meaning 'to bring back' or 'to restore', in the context of editing.
  • It began to be widely used in the context of document privacy in the late 20th century, especially within government and legal sectors.

The term 'redact' originates from the Latin word 'redactio', meaning 'to bring back or restore'. Over time, its meaning evolved in the English language to refer specifically to the act of editing or revising text. The use of the term in legal and publishing contexts became more prominent in the 20th century, particularly as issues of information privacy and security gained importance. Factory publications began employing redaction techniques to protect sensitive details, especially in legal documents, contracts, and classified government information. Increasing concerns over personal data breaches and misinformation have further solidified the importance of redaction in modern documentation practices.