Special category data is a term used in the context of data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), to describe a type of personal data that is considered to be particularly sensitive and thus deserves extra protection.
Examples of special category data
Special category data includes but is not limited to the following types of information:
- Racial or ethnic origin
- Political opinions
- Religious or philosophical beliefs
- Trade union membership
- Genetic data
- Biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person
- Health data
- Sex life or sexual orientation
Protection of special category data
The processing of special category data is subject to stricter conditions and a higher level of protection under the GDPR. For example, organizations must have a legal basis for processing this type of data, and individuals have a right to be informed about the processing of their special category data.
In addition, special category data cannot be processed for automated decision-making or profiling, unless there is a legal basis for doing so.
Conclusion
Special category data is a sensitive type of personal data that requires extra protection under data protection laws such as the GDPR. Organizations must ensure that they have a legal basis for processing this type of data, and that they follow strict rules and guidelines to protect the privacy and security of individuals whose special category data they process.