Which of the following best describes the function of redacting?

Redacting refers to the process of creating a version of a document that removes or obscures sensitive or confidential information. This is a crucial function in ensuring privacy and compliance with legal standards, especially in contexts involving personal data, law enforcement, or situations where sensitive information must be protected from unauthorized access.

In this specific context, redaction is used to prevent the disclosure of information that could harm individuals' privacy or safety, while still allowing certain aspects of the document to be shared for transparency or other legitimate purposes. This careful balance is essential in various fields, including law enforcement, healthcare, and legal proceedings, where sensitive information is often involved.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of redacting. Allowing unrestricted access to all public records disregards privacy and security concerns. Leaving all sensitive information visible fails to meet the purpose of protecting confidentiality. Providing copies of records without modification would contradict the principle of redaction, as it would not eliminate any sensitive content from the documents being shared.