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data concerning a person’s sexual orientation. In this guidance we refer to this as ‘special category data’. The majority of the special categories are not defined and are fairly self-explanatory. However specific definitions are provided for genetic data, biometric data and health data. Why is this data special?
What’s special category data? Special Categories of Personal Data under UK GDPR (and it’s EU equivalent), are commonly referred to as special category data, and are defined as personal data revealing: Racial or ethnic origin e.g. diversity and inclusion data; Political opinions; Religious or philosophical beliefs; Trade union membership
These are listed under Article 9 of the GDPR as “special categories” of personal data. The special categories are: Personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin. Political opinions. Religious or philosophical beliefs. Trade union membership. Genetic data and biometric data processed for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person.
Special category data is data or information that reveals sensitive facts about a person, and the sensitive nature of the information means there is a greater risk that it’s collection and use might cause an individual actual harm.
Special category data is data that is going to need more protection due to the sensitivity of it. There are guidelines around this and if you wish to look further into it we recommend to read the ICO’s website here: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/lawful-basis/a-guide-to-lawful-basis/lawful-basis-for ...
Data protection laws in England classify sensitive and highly personal data as special category data. This article will explain the meaning and limits of special category data to ensure your company is aware of the extra duties in handling these types of sensitive information.
What is special category data? Under the UK GDPR, certain types of personal data are considered more sensitive and are granted additional protection. This is often referred to as special category data and includes the following types of personal information:
Some types of personal data are more sensitive than others. These include information about criminal convictions and what are known as the special categories of personal data. This is classed as ‘special category data’. Special category data includes information revealing: Data relating to someone’s sexual orientation or sex life.
This guidance discusses special category data in detail. Read it if you have detailed questions not answered in the Guide, or if you need a deeper understanding of the conditions for processing special category data to help you comply in practice.
Special category data, as defined in Article 9 of the GDPR, encompasses specific types of personal information that are considered particularly sensitive.