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Types_of_Data

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Types_of_Data

Uploaded by

ingawalemadhura5722
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Types of Data

Understanding the data types helps implement appropriate measures to


protect sensitive information and comply with privacy regulations. The primary
types of data in terms of data privacy include:

1. Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

PII is any information that can be used to identify a specific individual,


directly or indirectly. This includes:

• Direct Identifiers: Information such as name, social security number,


driver’s license number, and passport number that can directly identify
an individual.

• Indirect Identifiers: Data that can identify an individual when combined


with other information. Examples include date of birth, gender, race, and
geographic indicators.

Privacy Considerations:
• PII requires strict protection to prevent identity theft and fraud.
• Organisations must ensure that PII is collected, stored, and processed
securely.
• Regulations such as GDPR and CCPA provide specific guidelines for
handling PII.

2. Non-Personally Identifiable Information (Non-PII)

Non-PII is data that cannot be used to directly identify an individual. This


includes:

• Aggregated data
• Anonymized data
• Statistical data

Privacy Considerations:
• Although non-PII is generally less sensitive, improper handling or re-
identification risks can still pose privacy concerns.

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• Organisations should implement techniques like anonymization and
data masking to reduce privacy risks.
• Non-PII should be used responsibly to avoid any unintended
identification of individuals.

3. Sensitive Personal Data (SPD)

SPD is a subset of PII that includes information that is more sensitive and
requires higher levels of protection due to the potential harm that could
result from its disclosure. This includes:

• Health information
• Financial information
• Biometric data
• Genetic data
• Sexual orientation
• Religious beliefs
• Political opinions

Privacy Considerations:
• Enhanced security measures are necessary to protect SPD.
• Access to SPD should be limited to authorised personnel only.
• Specific consent is often required from individuals before collecting or
processing SPD.

4. Protected Health Information (PHI)


PHI is a specific type of PII related to health status, healthcare provision, or
payment for healthcare that can be linked to an individual. This includes:

• Medical records
• Health insurance information
• Treatment details

Privacy Considerations:
• PHI is governed by regulations such as HIPAA in the United States.
• Strict guidelines dictate how PHI should be stored, transmitted, and accessed.
• Breaches of PHI can lead to severe legal and financial penalties.

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5. Confidential Business Information (CBI)
CBI, also known as trade secrets, includes information that businesses wish
to keep private to maintain a competitive edge. This includes:

• Customer lists
• Proprietary processes
• Business strategies
• Financial records

Privacy Considerations:
• CBI requires protection to safeguard the business’s competitive advantage.
• Measures such as non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and robust
cybersecurity protocols should be in place.
• Unauthorised disclosure of CBI can lead to significant financial loss and
legal consequences.

6. Public Information
Public information is data that is lawfully available to the general public.
This includes:

• Public records
• Government reports
• Data published by individuals or organisations on public platforms

Privacy Considerations:
• While public information is accessible to anyone, organisations should
still respect privacy norms and ethical considerations when using or
sharing public data.
• Misuse of public information can still lead to reputational damage or
legal issues.

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