when linked to a specific individual which is not an example of pii
What is PII?
PII stands for Personally Identifiable Information and refers to any information that can be used to identify a specific individual. This includes information such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and other personal details.
What is an example of PII?
An example of PII would be a person’s full name and social security number being linked together. This combination of information can uniquely identify an individual.
What is not an example of PII?
LectureNotes mentioned that when linked to a specific individual, not all information qualifies as PII. There are certain types of information that may not directly identify a person and therefore may not be considered PII. Examples of information that is not considered PII when linked to a specific individual include:
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Occupation or job title: While an occupation or job title may provide some information about an individual, it does not directly identify them.
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Educational qualifications: Similar to occupation, educational qualifications provide details about an individual’s academic achievements but do not uniquely identify them.
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Hobbies or interests: Information about an individual’s hobbies or interests may provide insights into their personal preferences but does not directly identify them.
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Anonymous survey responses: When survey responses are collected and reported anonymously, they do not qualify as PII because they cannot be linked back to a specific individual.
It is important to note that even though these types of information may not be considered PII on their own, they can still become personally identifiable when combined with other information or if there is a way to link them back to a specific individual. Privacy and data protection guidelines should always be followed when handling any type of personal information, regardless of its classification as PII.