FORMAL ANSWER

Personal data means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (data subject). An identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.

PRACTICAL ANSWER

This can be any information about a person, from the IP address of the computer they use to a business card. Personal data is not only information found on an identity card or passport, but also fingerprints, genetic code or the pattern of the retina. Among the least protected and most commonly used personal data are telephone numbers, email addresses and social media logins. It is enough to disclose your personal data online once, and after entering them into a search engine you may find they appear in several places.

MORE:

• We discuss the most important concepts and principles in the guide: Rules for personal data protection