Personal data is any information that can be used to identify an individual. Understanding what counts as personal data is important for businesses, especially those that handle a lot of customer information.
What Counts as Personal Data?
- Personal data includes any information that can be used to directly or indirectly identify someone. This could be:
- Direct Identifiers: Information that can be used to directly identify a person, such as their name, address, phone number, email address, or identification numbers like a Social Security number.
- Indirect Identifiers: Information that may not identify someone on its own but could do so when combined with other data, such as their job title, workplace, or educational background.
- Online Identifiers: Digital information that can be used to identify a person, such as IP addresses, cookie IDs, or usernames on social media platforms.
- Sensitive Personal Data: Some personal data is considered more sensitive because it relates to a person's race, ethnicity, religion, health, or sexual orientation. This type of data often requires a higher level of protection under data protection laws.
Here are some common examples of personal data that your business might handle:
- Names and contact information, such as addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses
- Identification numbers, such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, or passport numbers
- Financial information, such as bank account numbers or credit card details
- Health information, including medical records or information about a person's physical or mental health
- Employment information, including job titles, work history, and salary details
- Education information, such as academic records or degrees earned
By recognising the different types of personal data your business handles, you can create simple and effective strategies to protect the privacy of your customers and their information.