What is 'jigsaw identification'?

Jigsaw identification refers to a scenario in which an individual who has been granted anonymity becomes recognizable due to various pieces of information that have been published. This can occur when different sources provide fragmented details that, when combined, allow the public or another party to piece together enough information to reveal the person's identity.

This concept is particularly important in media law, as it emphasizes the responsibility of the media to safeguard sensitive information, especially regarding individuals involved in legal proceedings, victims of crime, or whistleblowers. Maintaining anonymity is crucial for protecting the rights of these individuals, and jigsaw identification illustrates how easily anonymity can be compromised when seemingly innocuous details are shared without consideration of their potential to identify someone. Thus, the answer highlights a critical issue in the intersection of media reporting and legal protections for individuals.