Personal identifier
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Personal Identifiers (PID) are a subset of personally identifiable information (PII) data elements, which identify an individual and can permit another person to "assume" that individual's identity without their knowledge or consent.[1] PIIs include direct identifiers (name, social security number) and indirect identifiers (race, ethnicity, age).[2]
Identifiers can be sensitive and non-sensitive, depending on whether it is a direct identifier that is uniquely associated with a person or a quasi-identifier that is not unique. A quasi-identifier cannot pin down an individual alone - it has to be combined with other identifiers.[3][4]
Examples of PID
Privately issued ID credentials
- Benefit plan participation number
- Private health care authorization, access, or identification number
Transactional financial account numbers
- Bank account number
- Credit or debit card account number
- Personal identification number (PIN)
- taxpayer identification number
Biometric identifiers
- Fingerprint or voiceprint
- Iris or retina scans
- DNA
Health or medical information
- National Health certificate number
Electronic identification credentials
Full Date of Birth
- Month, day and year
European-defined sensitive data
Treated as PID globally, not just for citizens of the EU
- Racial or ethnic origin
- Political opinions
- Religious or philosophical beliefs
- Trade-union membership
- Health or sex life
- Offenses, criminal convictions, or security measures
- Proceedings from crimes or offenses