What is personal information
Personal information (sometimes referred to as personal data) is any information that lets us identify a living individual from that information, either directly or indirectly. For example, basic details such as your:
- name
- address
- telephone number
- date of birth
- family information
- lifestyle and social circumstances
- images, personal appearance and behaviour
- school records
- information held in paper files.
Some information is classed as ‘special category information’ and needs more protection because it is more sensitive. It is often information you would not want widely known and is very personal to you. This is likely to include anything that can reveal your:
- sexuality or sexual health
- religious or philosophical beliefs
- ethnicity
- physical or mental health
- trade union membership
- political opinion
- genetic/biometric data.
The law also requires us to take special care when handling information about criminal convictions and offences.