ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Restricted representation

Restricted representation is like a secret code that only certain people are allowed to read. Imagine you have a special note that you only want your best friend to read. To make sure nobody else can read it, you might put it in a secret code that only you and your friend know how to read. This way, if anyone else tries to read it, they won't understand what it says.

In the same way, restricted representation is a way of encoding information so that only certain people can read it. This is often used in situations where the information is sensitive or private, and people need to be careful about who can access it.

For example, imagine you work for a company that has a lot of customer information, including things like names, addresses, and credit card numbers. This information is very valuable, and you don't want just anyone to be able to see it. So you might use restricted representation to encode the information in a way that only certain people in your company can read it.

When you use restricted representation, you are basically taking the information and turning it into a code. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as by using encryption software or by creating a special language that only certain people know how to read.

Once the information is encoded, it can only be decoded by those who know the secret code. So, for example, if someone tried to hack into your company's system to steal customer information, they would only see a bunch of gibberish that they wouldn't be able to understand.

Overall, restricted representation is a very important tool for keeping sensitive information secure. By encoding information in a way that only certain people can read, you can ensure that it stays private and protected from potential threats.