Special-category data
CIPP/E glossary · Last reviewed: · By Victor Humenhuk (CIPP/E certified)
Special-category data - Article 9 data revealing racial/ethnic origin, political opinions, religious/philosophical beliefs, trade-union membership, genetic or biometric data, health, or sex life/orientation; processing is prohibited unless an exception applies.
In the CIPP/E body of knowledge, Special-category data comes up under Ch 7.3 - Special categories; IAPP Training · Module 4 - BoK III.B.
Special-category data in context
- This chapter covers personal data, special-category data, controller, processor, processing and data subject. (Introduction to Data Protection Concepts)
- [[Article 9]] ==prohibits== processing of [[special-category data]] unless an exception applies. (Sensitive data - Article 9 framework)
- Crucially, it is ==Article 9 special-category data only when the purpose is to uniquely identify== a person - otherwise it is ordinary personal data. (Biometric data as special-category data)
Where Special-category data is covered in the CIPP/E study notes
Related terms
- Biometric data
- Genetic data
- Convention 108
- Explicit consent
Test yourself on Special-category data
Recognising a definition is not the same as applying it in an exam scenario. Work through the free CIPP/E practice questions, or read the full CIPP/E study guide - every study note is free.