Personal data is information relating to individuals only who can be personally identified from that data (on its own or with other data held). Personal data includes names, addresses, telephone numbers, birthdates, job titles and online identifiers (eg IP addresses).
There is a further 'special category’ of 'sensitive personal data' which is awarded greater protection under the law and includes information about:
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racial or ethnic origin
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political opinions
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religious or similar beliefs
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trade union membership
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physical or mental health or condition
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sexual life
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biometrics (eg fingerprint data/facial images) and genetics
While criminal offence data (personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences or related security measures) is treated separately from personal data and special category special data, it is subject to even tighter controls.
For more information on personal data, read Data protection.