CIPT (Certified Information Privacy Technologist) Practice

Which aspect does sensitive personal data typically encompass?

1. Financial records of individuals

2. Opinions on various subjects

3. Information related to a person's health or beliefs

4. General demographic data

The correct answer is: Information related to a person's health or beliefs

Sensitive personal data comprises information that, if disclosed or mishandled, could lead to significant harm or discrimination against individuals. This category typically includes details that are highly personal in nature, such as health information, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and other sensitive attributes that define a person's identity. Choosing information related to a person's health or beliefs as the correct response is accurate because such data is often considered sensitive due to its potential impact on an individual's privacy and dignity. For instance, health-related information can affect employment opportunities, insurance eligibility, and social stigmas, thereby necessitating higher levels of protection under various privacy regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. On the other hand, while financial records can also be sensitive and deserve protection, they are not typically classified under sensitive personal data in the same way that health and belief-related data are. Opinions on various subjects may not contain the same level of personal implications as health-related information, and general demographic data, such as age or ethnicity, is often used for statistical purposes rather than being classified as sensitive data.