Key Definitions
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Personal data

[Last reviewed: January 2025]

"Personal data" means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. An "identifiable 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, online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.

Sensitive/special personal data (including personal data subject to additional protections/ restrictions/breach notification obligations)

[Last reviewed: January 2025]

Sensitive data includes:

☒   personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin

☒   personal data revealing political opinions

☒   personal data revealing religious or philosophical belief

☒   personal data revealing trade / professional union or association membership

☒   genetic data

☒   biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person or biometric templates

☒   data concerning health/medical information

☒   data concerning a natural person's sex life or sexual orientation

☒   personal data regarding an individual's criminal convictions or record

Controller vs Processor

[Last reviewed: January 2025]

Do the privacy laws distinguish between controllers/owners and processors/agents? Whereby:

  • the controller/owner is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data
  • the processor/agent is natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which processes personal data on behalf of the controller

Answer: Yes.