HumenhukCIPP/US Study Guide
Chapter 1: Introduction to Privacy

Personal Information and Sensitive Personal Information

Reviewed by Victor Humenhuk. Published . Reviewed .

In the U.S., personal information and personally identifiable information (PII) cover data that can identify an individual. Sensitive personal information - SSNs, financial, driver's license, and health data - requires extra safeguards.

How this supports CIPP/US study

Use this lesson to identify the legal source, actor, data and activity before applying a rule to a scenario. Continue with the CIPP/US exam format and blueprint.

In the U.S., personal information and PII cover data that makes it possible to identify an individual (names, Social Security numbers, passport numbers) and information about an identified or identifiable individual (street address, phone, email). These definitions generally apply to both electronic and paper records.

Sensitive personal information is an important subset. In the U.S., Social Security numbers, financial information, driver's license numbers, and health information are commonly treated as sensitive and require additional safeguards. What counts as sensitive varies by jurisdiction and regulation.

Key terms - quick answers

What is “Personally identifiable information (PII)”?
U.S. term for information that makes it possible to identify an individual, or relates to an identified or identifiable individual.
What is “Sensitive personal information”?
An important subset of personal information (e.g., SSNs, financial info, driver's license numbers, health information) requiring additional privacy and security safeguards.

Sources and study method

This independent lesson uses active recall, spaced retrieval and scenario practice. Read the full study method.