What is PII?

PII (Personally Identifiable Information) refers to information that can identify a specific person, either on its own or when combined with other data.

PII can include direct identifiers, such as a Social Security number, as well as indirect identifiers that may reveal a person's identity when combined with other information.

Common examples of PII include:

• Full name and home address

• Email address and phone number

• Social Security or other identification numbers

• Financial account information

• Biometric identifiers

• Date of birth

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines PII as information that can distinguish or trace an individual's identity, either alone or when combined with other linked or linkable data.

Privacy laws do not always use the same terminology. The GDPR uses personal data, while the CCPA uses personal information. Under the CCPA, this can include categories such as browsing activity, geolocation, purchase history, and information linked to a consumer or household.