Selective Disclosure

Definition ∞ Selective disclosure is the practice of revealing only specific, necessary pieces of information while keeping other data private. This technique allows an individual or entity to prove certain attributes or facts without exposing the entire underlying dataset. It is a fundamental concept in privacy-preserving technologies, particularly those that aim to control personal data dissemination. Cryptographic methods, such as zero-knowledge proofs, are often employed to enable this controlled release of information. The goal is to minimize the amount of data shared, thereby enhancing privacy and security.
Context ∞ In the digital asset space, selective disclosure is gaining prominence for identity verification, regulatory compliance, and private transactions on public blockchains. It addresses the challenge of balancing transparency with user privacy in decentralized systems. Discussions frequently concern the technical implementation of verifiable credentials and the legal frameworks surrounding data sovereignty. This capability is crucial for building privacy-preserving applications and enabling confidential operations within public ledger environments.