Data redaction, a feature introduced in Oracle Database 12c as part of the Advanced Security Option (ASO), continues to evolve in Oracle Database 23ai (23.6). Oracle has significantly enhanced the DBMS_REDACT package in this release, offering improved flexibility and SQL compatibility for redacted columns. These enhancements enable redaction policies to integrate more smoothly with modern SQL constructs, removing the errors and limitations that previously constrained their use.
This article provides an in-depth walkthrough of these new capabilities using practical SQL examples. It is essential to understand that redaction under the DBMS_REDACT package is a chargeable option unless you are on Oracle Autonomous Database, where it’s available at no extra cost.