Which type of data is often included in the definition of personal data by the GDPR?

The inclusion of physical and physiological information in the definition of personal data under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is significant because it highlights the regulation's broad scope concerning the types of data that can be classified as personal. Personal data, as defined by the GDPR, includes information that relates to an identified or identifiable natural person. This encompasses a wide range of details, including name, identification number, location data, and other characteristics that can help identify an individual.

Physical and physiological information, such as height, weight, biometric data (like fingerprints or facial recognition data), and health-related data directly relate to an individual's biology or physical characteristics and contribute to personal identification. This is critical in ensuring that such sensitive information is adequately protected, as mishandling can lead to privacy breaches and possible discrimination.

In contrast, data that can be freely shared, company-specific operational data, and geographical statistics do not relate specifically to identifiable individuals in the same way. While free-to-share data might not be classified as personal, operational data tied to a company pertains to business rather than personal identification. Geographical statistics can provide aggregate data or trends but do not typically point to individual identities. Therefore, physical and physiological information stands out as a core component of what the GDPR recognizes