What type of information is considered PII?

Personal Identifiable Information (PII) encompasses any information that can be used to identify an individual. This definition is broad and includes a variety of data types such as names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, and even more nuanced pieces of information. The key characteristic of PII is its capacity to pinpoint a specific person; therefore, any combination of information that could lead to the identification of an individual falls under this category.

While health-related data, financial account information, and employment details are indeed sensitive and can be harmful if disclosed, they represent specific subsets of PII rather than defining characteristics of what PII itself is. The comprehensiveness of the term reflects its critical importance in data protection and privacy regulations, which strive to safeguard individuals' identities and personal details.