Personal identifier

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

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

See also
  • National identification number
  • Identity score

References
  1. "Guide to Identifying Personally Identifiable Information (PII)". www.technology.pitt.edu. 2017-02-14. Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  2. "What Is Personally Identifiable Information?". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
  3. University, Utah State. "Sensitive Data | Research Data Management". library.usu.edu. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  4. "Personally Identifiable Information (PII)". Investopedia. Retrieved 2022-09-07.
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