Jigsaw identification

How it is used

Assess combinations of details, including information published elsewhere; removing a name may be insufficient.

Example sentences

1. The school name and the parent's occupation created a risk of jigsaw identification.

   Individually ordinary details can become identifying when combined.

2. Editors removed the photograph after checking it for jigsaw identification.

   Visual information can contribute to identification even without a printed name.

Common collocations

• risk of jigsaw identification
• avoid jigsaw identification
• prevent jigsaw identification

Related terms

• source protectionThe principle, recognised in many ethics codes and laws, that journalists should not reveal the identity of confidential sources.
• anonymous sourceA person who gives information to a journalist on the condition that their name is not published, usually because they could lose their job or be in danger.

More terms: Media Ethics and Law

• press freedom
• accuracy
• objectivity
• bias
• defamation
• libel
• sensationalism
• right of reply
• public interest
• plagiarism
• conflict of interest
• pack journalism