AI & OCR: Key Technologies for Effective PDF Redaction

As we mentioned in our previous blog, PDF redaction is the process of removing classified information from a PDF file. Moreover, we have the perfect tool, Redact Sensitive Information from PDF, that does this whole process automatically. But how is that even possible? Simple: we make use of AI and OCR technologies. In this blog, we would like to explain how these can optimize and automate PDF redaction.

Text Detection and Recognition

On one hand, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is able to recognize and extract text in several sizes, fonts, and orientations which includes multi-column layouts, tables and forms. In other words, it can take any text found in scanned documents or images and convert it into machine-readable text.

On the other hand, artificial intelligence (AI) uses its algorithms to reduce errors when recognizing text. This is specially useful with poor scan quality, unusual fonts, or handwritten notes. Moreover, due to AI's capability to understand context, it can differentiate between several types of information before selecting what to redact.

Intelligent Content Identification

Furthermore, with the help of some AI model, such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), can identify and categorize sensitive information (personal identification information, financial data, protected health information, etc.) Additionally, it can also recognize patterns, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, email addresses, and such information.

Context-Aware Redaction

Also, AI can conduct semantic analysis to understand in which context information appears. In fact, such analysis makes sure that non-sensitive or necessary data won't be removed. For instance, AI can differentiate when the same name is used in confidential-context or not. More precisely, AI makes sure that documents are not being over-redacted nor under-redacted.