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

• 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

• Digital certificates
• Passwords

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