What is redaction of information in the context of public records?

Redaction of information in the context of public records refers specifically to the process of removing or obscuring personally identifying information to protect individual privacy. This practice is essential to ensure that sensitive data, such as social security numbers, addresses, and other personal identifiers, are not disclosed in documents that are accessible to the public. By redacting this information, organizations and public entities can comply with legal requirements and safeguard individuals' privacy while still allowing access to the broader content of the records. This helps to balance the public’s right to access information and the need to protect private information from disclosure.