How is "personal data" defined under GDPR?

The definition of "personal data" under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is specifically about any information that relates to an identified or identifiable natural person. This encompasses a broad range of data types, including names, identification numbers, location data, online identifiers, and various types of attributes specific to the individual, such as physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity.

This broad and inclusive definition is central to the GDPR because it establishes the regulatory scope for protecting individuals' privacy rights. The key element is the ability to identify a person, whether directly or indirectly, through various means. This understanding serves to encompass a wide range of data types and ensures that any data that can potentially identify someone is covered under the regulation's protections.

The other options do not reflect the comprehensive nature of the definition as framed by the GDPR. For instance, the notion of financial data is too narrow and does not capture the full spectrum of what is considered personal data. Similarly, data that is aggregated and anonymized falls outside the definition because such data cannot be linked back to an individual. Finally, focusing solely on information about public figures also misses the broader intent of the GDPR, which is to protect the personal data of all individuals, regardless