The Definition of Personal Data in the GDPR

The GDPR defines personal data as “any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (‘data subject’); an identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.“

This definition may seem cryptic, so we will explain it in more detail in the following sections.

What is Personal Data?

Identified or Identifiable Natural Person

First of all, the term “natural person” simply refers to an individual human being. In contrast, to put this concept into perspective, a “legal person” could be a company, government entity, or similar organisation, which is considered a legal entity.

The GDPR not only covers information that can directly identify an individual but also considers data that could potentially identify a person when combined with other information. The focus extends beyond traditional identifiers like names to include location data, online identifiers, and even factors related to a person’s physiological or social identity.

The Context Matters

Personal data encompasses not just explicit information but also implicit details. Some information may appear harmless on its own but can become a means of identifying someone when combined with other data points. For example, an IP address may not reveal much in isolation, but when paired with browsing history and location data, it could pinpoint a specific individual.

Examples of Personal Data

Identification Numbers

Personal Data	Explanation
Social Security Number	Uniquely identifies an individual in governmental databases.
Employee ID	Serves as a unique tag for identifying a person within an organisational context.
Passport Number	Unique to each individual and used for international identification.
National Identification Number	Used by governments to identify citizens.

Financial Information

Personal Data	Explanation
Bank Account Number	Directly correlates to an individual’s financial assets.
Credit Card Information	Enables financial transactions and can be used to infer individual financial behaviour.
Investment Portfolio	Reveals the assets and financial interests of an individual.
Loan Records	Speaks to an individual’s financial liabilities and creditworthiness.
Payment History	Used to evaluate the financial reliability of a person.

Contact Information

Personal Data	Explanation
Email Address	Serves as a unique identifier for digital communication.
Home Address	Specifies the location where an individual resides.
Phone Number	Unique to an individual and serves as a direct line for contact.
Work Address	Connected to an individual’s professional life.
Personal Website URL	Often displays different categories of personal information.

Employment Records

Personal Data	Explanation
Salary Information	Indicates individual earning capacity and potential lifestyle.
Job Title	Reveals professional role and inherent responsibilities.
Employment History	Enumerates past roles and employers, detailing career trajectory.
Performance Reviews	Reflects on an individual’s professional skills and accomplishments.
Professional Licences	Certifies qualification and expertise in a specific field.

Biometric Data 

Personal Data	Explanation
Fingerprint	Uniquely identifies an individual through biological traits.
Retina Scan	Utilised for identification based on unique retina patterns.
Facial Recognition Data	Increasingly used for identification and access management.
Voice Recording	Identifies an individual based on unique voice characteristics.
DNA Profile	Ultimate form of biological identification, unique to each person.

Health Information

Personal Data	Explanation
Medical History	This is a repository of sensitive and private health-related information.
Prescription Information	Indicates specific medical treatments and underlying conditions.
Blood Type	Useful in medical settings for treatment and identification.
Immunisation Records	Documents medical treatments and potential health vulnerabilities.
Allergy Information	Reveals specific substances that affect an individual’s health.

Legal Records

Personal Data	Explanation
Criminal Record	Summarises past legal issues.
Civil Court Records	Documents involvement in legal disputes.
Arrest Records	Records past arrests without consideration of subsequent legal outcomes.
Driving Offences	Documents an individual’s history of driving-related legal issues.

Education History

Personal Data	Explanation
Academic Transcripts	Grades, courses taken, and academic performance.
Diplomas and Certificates	Serve as proof of educational achievements and qualifications.
Standardised Test Scores	Evaluate skills or knowledge in a standardised manner.
Letters of Recommendation	Contain third-party assessments of abilities or character.

Online Behaviour

Personal Data	Explanation
IP Address	Identifies a specific network interface and location in an online context.
Browser History	Chronicles visited websites and search activities.
Cookies	Collect data on user preferences and online activity.
Online Purchase Records	Document transactions and indicate consumer behaviour.

Geographical Data

Personal Data	Explanation
GPS Coordinates	Provide precise real-time location data.
Travel Itineraries	Offer detailed plans for future movements and locations.
Location History	Archives past locations and potentially movement patterns.
Check-ins on Social Media	Publicly discloses current location and potential activity.
Traffic and Speed Camera Records	Register road usage at specific times and places.

Political Affiliations

Personal Data	Explanation
Party Membership	Explicitly indicates political alignment and affiliations.
Voting Records	Catalogue the elections an individual has participated in.
Political Donations	Financial contributions flag specific political leanings.
Activism Records	Document participation in political events like rallies or protests.
Political Online Posts	Serve as public records of political opinions and affiliations.

Religious Beliefs

Personal Data	Explanation
Church or Religious Group Membership	Concretely signals religious affiliations.
Religious Contributions	Financial donations can indicate depth of religious commitment.
Religious Texts Owned	Ownership can suggest specific religious leanings.
Participation in Religious Events	Demonstrates active involvement in religious activities.
Religious Social Media Groups Joined	Signifies religious interests and community ties.

Social Media Activity

Personal Data	Explanation
Facebook Likes and Reactions	Show preferences and may reveal personal interests.
Tweets and Retweets	Public records of opinions, likes, and dislikes.
Instagram Posts	Photos can disclose current locations, activities, and social circles.
LinkedIn Connections	List the range and nature of a professional network.
YouTube Comments	Public statements that may reveal personal interests or opinions.

Technological Data

Personal Data	Explanation
MAC Address	Serves as a unique hardware identifier for network interfaces.
Device IMEI Number	Functions as a unique identifier for mobile phones.
Browser Type and Version	Can be aggregated to track online behaviour.
Installed Apps	Reveal a range of personal and professional interests and needs.
WiFi Networks Joined	Can be reverse-engineered to ascertain frequent locations.

Travel Records

Personal Data	Explanation
Flight Booking Records	Archive patterns and destinations of travel.
Hotel Reservations	Pinpoint specific locations and durations of stays.
Car Rental Records	Indicate potential locations and types of activities.
Travel Insurance Policies	Give insights into planned destinations and activities.
Frequent Flyer Information	Record the frequency and preference of air travel.

Consumer Preferences

Personal Data	Explanation
Shopping History	Compiles records of both online and offline purchases.
Product Reviews Posted	Openly declares opinions on products or services.
Loyalty Program Memberships	Signify ongoing brand preferences.
Online Wish Lists	Public or semi-public records of future purchase interests.
Food Delivery Orders	Show specific food preferences and lifestyle habits.

Physical Characteristics

Personal Data	Explanation
Height and Weight	Basic data that describes physical attributes.
Eye Colour	A physical descriptor that can be used in certain forms of identification.
Hair Colour	A physical characteristic.
Tattoos and Scars	Serve as unique physical identifiers.
Clothing Sizes	Provide general dimensions of the body.

Family Information

Personal Data	Explanation
Marital Status	Indicates legal family commitments and structure.
Names and Ages of Children	Data points relating to minors which therefore require greater safeguards.
Genealogy Records	Compilation of family history and potentially sensitive genetic data.
Photos of Family	Could contain various forms of personal identifiable information.
Spouse’s Employment Information	May reflect upon family income and lifestyle.

Communication Records

Personal Data	Explanation
Text Messages	Store personal conversations.
Email Correspondence	Contain a complete record of digital conversations.
Call Logs	Chronicle both incoming and outgoing phone calls.
Voice Mails	Contain both voice data and the content of the message.
Social Media Messages	Capture personal conversations in a closed environment.

Membership and Affiliations

Personal Data	Explanation
Union Membership	Union Membership: May affect work relationships and reveal political leanings.
Professional Associations	Indicate fields of expertise or professional interest.
Alumni Groups	Unveil educational background and possibly career networks.
Sports Club Memberships	Disclose recreational activities and interests.
Volunteer Memberships	Signal participation in social and charitable endeavours.
Country Club Memberships	Signify social standing and leisure interests.
Youth Groups	Show involvement in youth organisations.
Seniors Groups	Indicate associations with elderly community networks.
Ethnic or Cultural Organisations	Suggest cultural or heritage affiliations.

Intellectual Property

Personal Data	Explanation
Copyrights	Assert legal ownership over created content, like writings or music.
Trademarks	Establish a legal claim to specific brand-related elements.
Research Papers	Indicate areas of intellectual interest and expertise.
Software Code	Mark unique technological contributions.

Public Contributions

Personal Data	Explanation
Letters to the Editor	Show public engagement and viewpoints on issues.
Comments on Public Forums	Unveil interests, beliefs, and viewpoints.
Petitions Signed	Indicate political or social activism and leanings.
Public Testimonies	Serve as formal records on public or social issues.
Civic Participation Records	Track involvement in local governance or community groups.

Recreational Interests

Personal Data	Explanation
Hobby Groups Joined	Signal areas of leisure and recreational interest.
Equipment Purchases	Point to specific hobbies or recreational activities.
Event Tickets Purchased	Show interest in particular events, genres, or performances.
Game Achievements	Display gaming skills, interests, and engagement levels.
Music Playlists	Reveal personal music tastes and possibly mood states.

Professional Qualifications

Personal Data	Explanation
Certifications	Act as verified proof of specific skills or training.
Accreditations	Represent industry-specific qualifications and expertise.
Portfolio	Serves as a curated showcase of professional work.
References	Offer third-party validations of skills and professionalism.
Awards and Honors	Signal recognition and achievement in a professional context.

Psychological Traits

Personal Data	Explanation
Personality Test Results	Disclose specific aspects of the psychology of a person.
Therapy Records	Contain sensitive and confidential personal information.
Emotional Assessments	Give insight into current mental health status.
Mood Tracking Data	Chronicle emotional patterns over time.
Medical Diagnoses	Include formal clinical assessments of mental health.

Behavioral Patterns

Personal Data	Explanation
Sleep Tracking Data	Show lifestyle and health-related habits.
Physical Activity Logs	Reflect daily movement and general health levels.
Nutrition Logs	Reveal eating habits and dietary considerations.
Stress Level Measurements	Include mental health-related data points.
Social Interaction Logs	Catalogue of patterns and quality of social interactions.

Ownership Records

Personal Data	Explanation
Property Deeds	Document legal ownership of real estate.
Vehicle Registrations	Indicate ownership and types of vehicles owned.
Shareholdings	Signify ownership stakes in companies.
Collector’s Items	List high-value items under possession.
Domain Registrations	Register ownership of online assets.

Test Scores and Evaluations

Personal Data	Explanation
IQ Tests	Provide metrics on cognitive abilities.
Skill Assessment Results	Point to areas of professional expertise.
Employee Evaluations	Include workplace performance assessments.
Academic Exams	Serve as benchmarks of educational achievement.
Health and Safety Tests	Validate compliance with regulatory norms.

Personal Preferences

Personal Data	Explanation
Food Preferences	Disclose tastes and potentially any dietary restrictions.
Language Preferences	Indicate cultural background or educational upbringing.
UI/UX Settings on Apps	Show software customization preferences.
Book Preferences	Point to intellectual interests and favoured genres.
Colour Preferences	Represent a simple yet revealing personal choice.

Audio and Video Recordings

Personal Data	Explanation
Voicemails	Store audio messages that may include personal or sensitive information.
Video Messages	Contain personal messages and possibly private details, in video format.
Surveillance Footage	Capture physical appearance, location, and actions at a given time.
Podcast Appearances	Document voice and views on various topics.
Personal Videos	May include a diverse range of personal information, from family events to personal hobbies.

Language and Communication Style

Personal Data	Explanation
Preferred Language	Suggests cultural background or educational upbringing.
Writing Samples	Expose communication skills and stylistic preferences.
Speech Patterns	Captured in audio recordings or transcriptions.
Sign Language Use	Points to specific communication requirements.
Slang or Jargon Used	Discloses affiliations with subcultures or professions.

Personal Achievements

Personal Data	Explanation
Competition Wins	Highlight specific skills and levels of achievement.
Scholarships	Serve as acknowledgments of academic excellence.
Completed Challenges or Goals	Indicate personal or professional milestones.
Endorsement	Consist of public or private recommendations.

Cultural Affinities

Personal Data	Explanation
Ethnic Background	Suggests cultural heritage or affiliations.
Festivals Celebrated	Indicates cultural or religious practices.
Cultural Association Memberships	Show alignment with specific cultural groups.
Preferred Media	Unveils preferences in entertainment and cultural consumption.
Culinary Preferences	Food choices that can hint at cultural leanings.

Government Records

Personal Data	Explanation
Census Data	Contains detailed personal and household statistics.
Voter Registration	Notes eligibility and history of electoral participation.
Social Benefits Records	Enumerate government support or assistance received.
Licences Issued	Legal permits for various activities, such as driving.
Public Office Records	Detail involvement in governmental or public service roles.

Military Records

Personal Data	Explanation
Service Records	State periods and types of military service.
Military ID	Serves as a unique identifier for service members.
Veteran Status	Notes past military service and any subsequent benefits.
Security Clearances	Define levels of authorization to sensitive information.
Medals and Awards	Acknowledge particular military achievements.

Immigration Status

Personal Data	Explanation
Visa Records	Detail permissions for entry and residency in foreign countries.
Work Permits	Indicate employment eligibility in specific countries.
Passport Stamps	Record international travel history.

Emergency Contacts

Personal Data	Explanation
Next of Kin	Designated primary contact for emergencies.
Medical Emergency Contacts	Specific to healthcare situations.
Workplace Emergency Contacts	For on-the-job incidents.
Child’s School Emergency Contacts	For minors during school hours.

Sexual Orientation

Personal Data	Explanation
Relationship Status	Can indirectly suggest sexual orientation.
Dating App Profiles	Provide more direct data on sexual preferences.
LGBTQ+ Organization Memberships	Affirm sexual orientation or advocacy roles.
Medical Records	May contain sensitive or private information.
Public Statements	Represent self-declared information on orientation.

Substance Use

Personal Data	Explanation
Medical Prescriptions	May indicate use of controlled substances.
Rehab Records	Reveal past or current substance abuse treatment.
Drug Test Results	Drug Test Results
Tobacco Use Records	Confirm the use of tobacco products.
Alcohol Purchase Records	Disclose habits related to alcohol consumption.

Dependency Information

Personal Data	Explanation
Child Care Records	Show dependents and their childcare arrangements.
Power of Attorney Documents	Establish who can make legal decisions.
Guardian Records	Reveal legal guardianship details.
Support Payment Records	Indicate financial dependencies like alimony or child support.
Special Needs Trusts	Highlight care responsibilities for individuals with special needs.

Leisure and Lifestyle

Personal Data	Explanation
Fitness Club Memberships	Suggest lifestyle and health orientation.
Subscription Services	Reveal various interests and preferences.
Club Memberships	Indicate social or recreational affiliations.
Sports Participation	Show athletic abilities and interests.
Hobby-related Purchases	Specify particular hobbies and activities.

Hobbies and Interests

Personal Data	Explanation
Art Collections	Indicate a taste for specific kinds of art.
Musical Instruments Owned	Show interest or skill in music.
Sporting Equipment	Reveal athletic pursuits.
Crafting Supplies	Indicate crafting or DIY interests.
Cooking Gear	Suggest culinary aptitude and interest.

Social Connections

Personal Data	Explanation
Friendship Connections on Social Media	Identify social circles and friendships.
Family Trees	Outline familial relationships.
Personal References	List individuals who can vouch for you.
Co-worker Relationships	Reveal professional social networks.
Mentor-Mentee Relationships	Indicate roles in educational or professional guidance.

Digital Content

Personal Data	Explanation
E-books Owned	Highlight reading preferences.
Digital Movies	Indicate movie genres and favourites.
Download History	Could contain a wide array of personal preferences.
Cloud Stored Data	May include various types of personal data.
Mobile App Downloads	Reveal functional and recreational interests.

Text-Based Content

Personal Data	Explanation
Blog Posts	Offer insights into personal thoughts and specialties.
Diaries or Journals	Contain private and sensitive reflections.
Chat Histories	Record personal conversations and interests.
Forum Posts	Disclose public opinions and topic interests.
Published Articles	Expose areas of expertise and personal viewpoints.

Subscription Information

Personal Data	Explanation
Magazine Subscriptions	Indicate particular interests or hobbies.
Streaming Services	Show entertainment preferences.
Paid News Services	Reveal focus on current events or specialised subjects.
SaaS Subscriptions	Suggest professional needs and activities.
Charity Subscriptions	Point to philanthropic inclinations.

Medical Contacts

Personal Data	Explanation
Hospital Preferences	Preferred locations for emergency care.
Blood Donor Information	Relevant for medical emergencies.
Organ Donor Status	Important for life-saving situations.
Contact Information for Doctors	Specifies healthcare providers.

Personal Beliefs

Personal Data	Explanation
Ethical or Moral Stances	Highlight personal values.
Dietary Choices (e.g., Veganism)	May relate to ethical beliefs.
Political Beliefs	Indicate ideological inclinations.
Philosophical Beliefs	Suggest worldview and outlook.
Religious Doctrine Interpretations	Reveal personal takes on religious beliefs.

Security Information

Personal Data	Explanation
Passwords	Control access to various digital services.
Security Questions and Answers	Serve for identity confirmation.
Two-Factor Authentication Methods	Provide additional account security.
Biometric Security Data	Used for secure identification mechanisms.