A terminology for talking about privacy by data minimization: Anonymity, Unlinkability, Undetectability, Unobservability, Pseudonymity, and Identity Management

Abstract

Based on the nomenclature of the early papers in the field privacy by data minimization, we develop a terminology which is both expressive and precise. More particularly, we define anonymity, unlinkability, linkability, undetectability, unobservability, pseudonymity (pseudonyms and digital pseudonyms, and their attributes), identifiability, identity, partial identity, digital identity and identity management. In addition, we describe the relationships between these terms, give a rationale why we define them as we do, and sketch the main mechanisms to provide for the properties defined.