Safeguarding PII: Personal Data Privacy Basics
Personally Identifiable Information (PII) refers to any data that can directly or indirectly identify individuals. Understanding the various types of PII and how they can be linked is crucial for companies managing personal data so they can protect personal information and stay in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Defining Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
Personally identifiable information (PII) refers to any data that can directly or indirectly identify individuals. This includes recognizable identifiers such as names, Social Security numbers, and email addresses; plus distinctive elements like thumbprints and phone numbers. PII is challenging to classify due to its ability to identify not only people but also computers and geographic locations. And different states and countries have defined PII differently in their individual data privacy and data breach response laws and regulations.
Direct Identifiers vs. Indirect Identifiers
Direct identifiers, such as full names or Social Security numbers, are pieces of information that can uniquely identify an individual on their own. Indirect identifiers, like age or occupation, may not be enough by themselves but could potentially lead to identification when combined with other data points.
The Concept of Linkable PII
Beyond direct and indirect identifiers lies a third category known as linkable PII. Linkable PII involves combining data from separate sources in order to establish an individual’s identity. For example, while neither a person’s zip code nor birthdate alone would typically be considered personally identifiable information – although definitions do vary by state regulation – when used together they might allow someone with access to both datasets to accurately determine who it pertains to.
- Name + Address: A combination often found in public records databases which can easily reveal one’s identity if linked correctly.
- Email address + Purchase History: An online retailer might have this type of linkable dataset where customer emails are associated with specific items they’ve bought, allowing for targeted marketing efforts based on preferences.
Understanding the various types of PII and how they can be linked is crucial for companies managing personal data. It helps companies ensure that they are in compliance with the various data privacy and breach response laws and regulations in the areas in which they operate or have customers. The potential repercussions of PII divulgence are tangible and can have serious effects for individuals, organizations, and businesses. For support with data privacy compliance or data breach response, contact Baer Reed.
- On October 12, 2023
- Back to post list