Key Characteristics of Personal Data:
Under the GDPR, personal data is defined as any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (referred to as a “data subject”). An individual is considered identifiable if their identity can be determined, either directly or indirectly, through reference to an identifier. These identifiers may include:
- Name: A person's full name or even parts of a name.
- Identification Number: For example, a national ID, copyright number, or employee ID.
- Location Data: Information such as GPS coordinates or addresses that can identify an individual’s physical location.
- Online Identifiers: IP addresses, cookie identifiers, and other digital identifiers that can be used to track and identify individuals online.
- Physical or Behavioral Data: Biometric data (e.g., fingerprints or facial recognition) or behavioral data (e.g., online activity, browsing behavior).
Categories of Personal Data:
- Basic Information: Name, address, email, phone number, and other common identifiers that allow for the identification of a person.
- Special Categories of Personal Data: This includes sensitive data that requires additional protection under the GDP Certification process in Malaysia. Examples include data related to an individual’s:
- Race or Ethnic Origin
- Political Opinions
- Religious or Philosophical Beliefs
- Trade Union Membership
- Genetic Data
- Biometric Data (when used for identification purposes)
- Health Data
- Sexual Orientation Special categories of data are subject to stricter processing rules and require explicit consent or a clear legal basis for processing.
Indirect Identification:
Personal data under the GDP Certification Consultants in Malaysia can also include information that, when combined with other data, can lead to the identification of an individual. For example, a person’s job title, when combined with company records, may indirectly identify them.
Anonymized and Pseudonymized Data:
It’s important to note that anonymized data—data that has been processed in such a way that it can no longer identify a person—falls outside the scope of the GDPR. On the other hand, pseudonymized data—where identifiable information is replaced with a pseudonym—still falls under the GDPR, as it can be re-identified with additional information.
Conclusion:
In essence, GDP Consultant Services in Malaysia personal data is any information that can identify a living individual, either directly or indirectly. GDPR’s broad definition ensures that organizations handle all types of personal information responsibly and protects individuals’ privacy rights across various contexts, from basic contact details to sensitive health information.