Why is de-identification important in TCPS 2 research?

• A. It reduces risk of re-identification and protects privacy.
• B. It ensures data can't be used again.
• C. It obligates researchers to publish data.
• D. It makes consent unnecessary.

Answer: (A)

De-identification is about protecting participants by removing or masking identifiers so individuals can’t be traced from the data. In TCPS 2, protecting privacy and keeping information confidential are central, and de-identification is a practical way to reduce the chance that someone could be identified if the data are shared or accessed by others. That direct focus on minimizing identification risk and safeguarding privacy is why it’s the best answer. It’s not about making data unusable—de-identified data can still be analyzed and shared under appropriate safeguards. It doesn’t obligate researchers to publish data, and it doesn’t remove the need for consent or ethics review in all contexts.