Redaction Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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redaction
[rɪˈdækʃən ]
Definition
editing process
Redaction refers to the process of editing a document to remove or obscure sensitive information before it is published or shared. This can involve blacking out certain parts of text, removing names, or altering specific details that could compromise privacy or security. Redaction is commonly used in legal documents, government publications, and other sensitive materials to ensure confidentiality and protect personal information. The goal is to present information in a way that maintains the integrity of the material while safeguarding against unauthorized disclosure.
Synonyms
censorship, editing, expurgation, sanitization.
Examples of usage
- The document underwent redaction to protect personal identities.
- He found that redaction was necessary for sensitive information.
- The publisher required redaction of certain sections before printing.
- She specialized in the redaction of classified documents.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In legal proceedings, documents often undergo redaction to protect private information like social security numbers.
- In court cases, failure to properly redact sensitive information can lead to penalties or compromised cases.
Media & Journalism
- Journalists often redact sensitive details in news reports to protect sources or avoid legal issues.
- After reviewing documents, editors might redact portions before publication to maintain privacy.
Information Security
- Redaction is a key practice in cybersecurity, helping organizations protect sensitive data from cyber threats.
- Digital documents can be redacted using software designed to permanently obscure information rather than just cover it.
Cultural impact
- The practice of redaction has sparked debates in media ethics regarding transparency versus privacy.
- In art, some modern pieces feature redacted documents as a commentary on censorship and the control of information.
Origin of 'redaction'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'redactio,' which means 'to lead back' or 'to restore.'
- In the 20th century, 'redaction' gained popularity with legal and governmental documentation, emphasizing confidentiality.
The term 'redaction' comes from the Latin word 'redactio', which means 'to bring back, to recover'. Originally used in a more general sense of editing or revising written material, the word has evolved to have a more specific legal and information security connotation. Its use expanded significantly in the 20th century as the importance of protecting sensitive information in documents became clear, particularly within governmental and legal environments. In contemporary practice, redaction is crucial for maintaining privacy, especially in an age where information sharing is ubiquitous and threats to security are increasing. As a result, redaction tactics have developed into technical methods, often involving software tools that help automate the process of identifying and obscuring sensitive content.