Quick Answer
The correct answer is anonymization because the map’s granularity allowed re-identification of individuals from zip code data. Anonymization requires that data be processed so that no individual can be singled out, yet here the precise addresses exposed by the map directly violate that principle by enabling re-identification. On the CompTIA Data+ DA0-001 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how data visualization choices—like zoom level or geographic detail—can break anonymization, even when the underlying dataset is supposedly de-identified. A common trap is confusing anonymization with de-identification; remember that anonymization is irreversible, whereas de-identification may still permit re-identification if the data is too granular. For a memory tip, think “map zoom = re-identification doom”—the more you zoom in on location data, the greater the risk of exposing individuals.
This DA0-001 practice question tests your understanding of communicating data insights. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A data analyst includes a map showing customer locations by zip code. The map reveals exact addresses for a few customers due to data granularity. This violates which principle?
Anonymization
The map should have been anonymized to avoid revealing individual addresses.
Informed consent
Why wrong: Informed consent is about permission, not technical anonymization.
Data minimization
Why wrong: Data minimization relates to collecting only what is needed, not preventing re-identification.
Data quality
Why wrong: Data quality refers to accuracy and completeness, not privacy.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Anonymization
The map reveals exact addresses for a few customers due to the granularity of zip code data. This directly violates the principle of anonymization, which requires that data be processed in such a way that individuals cannot be identified. By exposing precise locations, the data is no longer anonymized, as it allows re-identification of specific individuals.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Anonymization
Why this is correct
The map should have been anonymized to avoid revealing individual addresses.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Informed consent
Why it's wrong here
Informed consent is about permission, not technical anonymization.
Data minimization
Why it's wrong here
Data minimization relates to collecting only what is needed, not preventing re-identification.
Data quality
Why it's wrong here
Data quality refers to accuracy and completeness, not privacy.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse anonymization with data minimization, thinking the issue is collecting too much data, when the real problem is failing to sufficiently generalize or mask the data to prevent re-identification.
Detailed technical explanation
Anonymization techniques, such as k-anonymity, require that each record be indistinguishable from at least k-1 other records. In this case, zip code granularity may result in a small number of customers per zip code, potentially reducing k to 1 and enabling re-identification. A real-world scenario is the AOL search data leak, where seemingly anonymized queries were traced back to individuals due to insufficient generalization of location and other quasi-identifiers.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the DA0-001 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Communicating Data Insights — This question tests Communicating Data Insights — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Anonymization — The map reveals exact addresses for a few customers due to the granularity of zip code data. This directly violates the principle of anonymization, which requires that data be processed in such a way that individuals cannot be identified. By exposing precise locations, the data is no longer anonymized, as it allows re-identification of specific individuals.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This DA0-001 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DA0-001 exam.
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