Article Review: De re/de dicto distinction: A Logicians’ Perspective on Data Anonymity
Source: Journal of Cybersecurity
Link to Article: https://doi.org/10.1093/cybsec/tyae025
1. Relationship to Social Science Principles
This article looks at the difference between “de re” (about the thing itself) and “de dicto”
(about the statement) when it comes to data anonymity. It ties this distinction to social
science by exploring how people interact with digital systems, the ethical challenges of
handling personal data, and how anonymity shapes behavior online. The authors show
how social norms, human behavior, and technology all influence privacy and
cybersecurity as they evolve over time.
2. Research Questions and Hypotheses
The study asks whether understanding the “de re/de dicto” distinction can improve how
we think about anonymity in cybersecurity. The authors propose that by using this
framework, we can identify gaps in current anonymity protections. The goal is to
develop privacy systems that are not only logically sound but also more ethical and
transparent.
3. Research Methods
Rather than collecting data, the authors use a theoretical approach. They analyze
anonymity using formal logic and philosophical reasoning to show how different views of
it can shape privacy protections. This approach helps uncover the often-overlooked
complexity behind how privacy is defined in technology and policy discussions
4. Data and analysis
The article doesn’t rely on traditional data collection but instead uses logical analysis to
explain how anonymity is interpreted in privacy systems. Through examples, the
authors show how different interpretations can expose flaws in anonymization methods
and lead to varying outcomes in terms of privacy protection.
5. Relation to Class Concepts
The ideas in the article closely connect with key class topics, such as data privacy,
cybersecurity ethics, and social perceptions of anonymity. For instance, the discussion
about how anonymity affects data security reflects class conversations on user behavior
and social engineering. It also underscores the importance of transparency in
cybersecurity policies, especially when it comes to informed consent and ethical
handling of personal data.
6. Concerns of Marginalized Groups
The article highlights how data anonymity is particularly important for marginalized
communities, who are more likely to be affected by surveillance, discrimination, or
targeted attacks. Weak anonymity protections can leave these groups more vulnerable,
and misinterpreting anonymity could create a false sense of security. The authors
emphasize the need for privacy frameworks that specifically address the unique risks
these communities face.
7. Contributions to Society
This study provides a fresh perspective on how to evaluate anonymity protections. By
focusing on the “de re/de dicto” distinction, it sheds light on privacy risks and offers
suggestions for improving anonymization practices. These insights can help
policymakers, researchers, and cybersecurity professionals create stronger privacy
systems that are better equipped for today’s data-driven world.



Jiang, J., & Naumov, P. (2025). De re/de dicto distinction: a logicians’ perspective on
data anonymity. Journal of Cybersecurity, 11(1), tyae025.
https://doi.org/10.1093/cybsec/tyae025