Proposal for Integrating Data Masking and anonymization into PostgreSQL

Dear PostgreSQL Development Team,

I am writing to propose the development of native data masking and
anonymization features within PostgreSQL. As a long-time user of
PostgreSQL,

I have observed a growing need for efficient and secure data handling,
particularly in compliance with regulations like GDPR.

By integrating data masking and anonymization directly into the database
engine, we can achieve several benefits:

- *Improved Performance:* Native implementation can significantly
enhance performance compared to external tools.
- *Seamless Integration:* A built-in solution would seamlessly integrate
with existing PostgreSQL workflows and tools.
- *Data Format Preservation:* The database engine can ensure that masked
or anonymized data adheres to the original data format.
- *DB Metadata Awareness:* PostgreSQL's metadata can be leveraged to
tailor masking and anonymization strategies to specific data types and
constraints.

I envision these features taking the form of:

- *New Functions or Operators:* For direct application within SQL
queries.
- *Configuration Options:* To allow users to customize masking and
anonymization behavior.
- *Plugins or Extensions:* For additional capabilities.

I would be happy to discuss this proposal further and provide more details
on specific use cases and requirements. Thank you for your time and
consideration.