Top Free Document Redaction tools, APIs, and Open Source models
Tags: ai, topfreeapis, documentredaction, opensourcemodels
Published: 2023-12-13 08:32:01

## **What is [Document Redaction API](https://www.edenai.co/feature/document-redaction)?**

The Document Redaction API, also known as [PII Redaction](https://www.edenai.co/feature/document-redaction), is an interface that assists software developers in adding redaction capabilities to their applications. It is similar to the Document Anonymization API but is specifically designed for redaction purposes.

The API enables the automated removal of specific information in documents, including text, images, and other media. Its functions are user-friendly and easy to implement. Document anonymization aims to protect individuals' privacy by replacing or removing any personally identifiable information (PII) from the document.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/zwmv2e1qhwv86zuqvoxf.png)


Both document redaction and anonymization involve altering documents to safeguard sensitive information. Redaction focuses on removing confidential details, while anonymization is centered on general privacy protection, for example, by deleting or substituting personally identifiable information.

Document Redaction APIs are commonly used for generating legal documents, managing government documents, and performing privacy-compliant redaction of medical records. For example, they can be used to comply with HIPAA regulations in the United States.



## **Top Open Source (Free) PII Redaction models on the market**

For users seeking a cost-effective engine, opting for an open-source model is recommended. Here is the list of the best PII Redaction Open Source Models:

**1‍. [OpenNyAI](https://github.com/OpenNyAI/legal_docs_redaction)**

This open-source model provides offline semi-automatic data redaction for legal documents by masking named entities identified using machine learning. The output of the redaction process must be reviewed by humans to ensure that all sensitive information has been properly masked.


**2. [Codexify](https://github.com/DataFog/codexify)**

Codexify enables users to redact sensitive data from CSV, Excel, and JSON files using a variety of redaction methods, such as fixed string, random value, and hash functions. This ensures that sensitive data is removed from the files while preserving the integrity of the remaining data.


**3. [Phileas](https://github.com/philterd/phileas)**

Phileas is a Java library that redacts personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), and other sensitive information from text. The library analyses the text to identify sensitive information such as names, ages, and addresses.


**4. [Fuko Masked](https://github.com/fuko-php/masked)**

Fuko\Masked is a small PHP library for masking sensitive data: it replaces blacklisted elements with their redacted values.


**5. [Redact Engine](https://github.com/rusty-ferris-club/redact-engine)**

Protect confidentiality with dynamic redaction by replacing sensitive data from string or JSON format API Docs. 

**6. [PDF Redaction](https://github.com/ABCpdf-Team/PDF-Redaction)**

Open Source Model for text redaction in PDFs. 



## **Cons of Using Open Source AI models**

‍While open-source models offer many advantages, they also have potential drawbacks and challenges. Here are some cons of using open-source models:

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- **Not Entirely Cost Free:** Open-source models, while providing valuable resources to users, may not always be entirely free of cost. Users often need to bear hosting and server usage expenses, especially when dealing with large or resource-intensive data sets.
- **Lack of Support**: Open-source models may not have official support channels or dedicated customer support teams. If you encounter issues or need assistance, you might have to rely on community forums or the goodwill of volunteers, which can be less reliable than commercial support.
- **Limited Documentation**: Some open source models may need more complete or better-maintained documentation. This can make it difficult for developers to understand how to use the model effectively, leading to frustration and wasted time.
- **Security Concerns**: Security vulnerabilities can exist in open-source models, and it may take longer for these issues to be addressed compared to commercially supported models. Users of open-source models may need to monitor for security updates and patches actively.
- **Scalability and Performance**: Open source models may not be as optimized for performance and scalability as commercial models. If your application requires high performance or needs to handle many requests, you may need to invest more time in optimization.

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## **Why choose Eden AI?**

Given the potential costs and challenges related to open-source models, one cost-effective solution is to use APIs. Eden AI smoothens the incorporation and implementation of AI technologies with its API, connecting to multiple AI engines.

Eden AI presents a broad range of AI APIs on its platform, customized to suit your needs and financial limitations. These technologies include data parsing, language identification, sentiment analysis, logo recognition, question answering, data anonymization, speech recognition, and numerous other capabilities.

To get started, we offer free $10 credits for you to explore our APIs.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/knarurwzmhnfc4vaid2m.png)



**[Try Eden AI for FREE](https://app.edenai.run/user/register?referral=top-free-document-redaction-tools-apis-and-open-source-models)**

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## **Access Document Redaction providers with one API**

Our standardized API enables you to integrate PII Redaction APIs into your system with ease by utilizing various providers on Eden AI. Here is the list (in alphabetical order):

- Base64.ai
- ReadyRedact


**1. Base64.ai- Available on [Eden AI](https://app.edenai.run/user/register?referral=top-free-document-redaction-tools-apis-and-open-source-models)**


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/lzw1dqbvin7d6fezlx36.png)




Base64.ai's Redaction AI can extract data from any document and permanently delete personally identifiable information (PII) and sensitive details, such as names, dates, faces, signatures, and addresses. This ensures that data is only shared with those who need to know.


**2. ReadyRedact- Available on [Eden AI](https://app.edenai.run/user/register?referral=top-free-document-redaction-tools-apis-and-open-source-models)**


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/d4udeqzj2y4e9itotku5.png)


ReadyRedact's Document Redaction API is efficient and user-friendly. It uses advanced pixel-to-pixel replacement technology to quickly remove sensitive data from your files, increasing the level of protection for your documents and ensuring compliance.



## **Pricing Structure for Document Redaction API Providers**

Eden AI offers a user-friendly platform for evaluating pricing information from diverse API providers and monitoring price changes over time. As a result, keeping up-to-date with the latest pricing is crucial. The pricing chart below outlines the rates for smaller quantities for December 2023, as well as you can get discounts for potentially large volumes.‍


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/h1qxn41yoq0c71e9xb28.png)

**[Check the current prices on Eden AI](https://app.edenai.run/user/register?referral=top-free-document-redaction-tools-apis-and-open-source-models)**



## **How Eden AI can help you?**

Eden AI is the future of AI usage in companies: our app allows you to call multiple AI APIs.

![https://assets-global.website-files.com/61e7d259b7746e3f63f0b6be/6329c430012402204ba81113_ezgif.com-gif-maker(1).gif](https://assets-global.website-files.com/61e7d259b7746e3f63f0b6be/6329c430012402204ba81113_ezgif.com-gif-maker(1).gif)

- Centralized and fully monitored billing on Eden AI for Document Redaction APIs
- Unified API for all providers: simple and standard to use, quick switch between providers, access to the specific features of each provider
- Standardized response format: the JSON output format is the same for all suppliers thanks to Eden AI's standardization work. The response elements are also standardized thanks to Eden AI's powerful matching algorithms.
- The best Artificial Intelligence APIs in the market are available: big cloud providers (Google, AWS, Microsoft, and more specialized engines)
- Data protection: Eden AI will not store or use any data. Possibility to filter to use only GDPR engines.

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You can see Eden AI documentation [here](https://docs.edenai.co/reference/ocr_anonymization_async_create).

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## **Next step in your project**

The Eden AI team can help you with your PII Redaction integration project. This can be done by :

- Organizing a product demo and a discussion to understand your needs better. You can book a time slot on this link: [Contact](https://www.edenai.co/contact?referral=top-free-document-redaction-tools-apis-and-open-source-models)
- By testing the public version of Eden AI for free: however, not all providers are available on this version. Some are only available on the Enterprise version.
- By benefiting from the support and advice of a team of experts to find the optimal combination of providers according to the specifics of your needs
- Having the possibility to integrate on a third-party platform: we can quickly develop connectors.


**[Create your account on Eden AI](https://app.edenai.run/user/register?referral=top-free-document-redaction-tools-apis-and-open-source-models)**