Which criteria are used to identify personal data?

The identification of personal data fundamentally hinges on the concept of being related to an identified or identifiable natural person. This means that personal data specifically pertains to information that can directly or indirectly identify an individual. In the context of data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), personal data is perceived through the lens of individual identity, encompassing any data that can contribute to the identification of a person, whether through direct means (such as a name or identification number) or indirect means (like unique identifiers or location data).

The criteria of being "an identified or identifiable natural person" encapsulates the essence of personal data, focusing on the connection between the data and individuals, which is essential for legal frameworks addressing privacy and the protection of personal data. This highlights that for information to be categorized as personal data, it must have the potential to relate back to someone specific, reinforcing the priority of individual rights and privacy in data handling practices.