In the context of the General Data Protection Regulation, how is "Personal Data" defined?

The definition of "Personal Data" under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is explicitly provided as any information relating to an identified or identifiable person. This definition is broad and encompasses various types of information that can directly or indirectly identify an individual, including names, identification numbers, location data, and online identifiers. The key aspect is the connection to individuals, meaning that even if data does not directly contain names, it can still be classified as personal data if it allows for the identification of a person when combined with other information.

This understanding reflects the GDPR's emphasis on protecting individuals' privacy rights and personal information in a digital environment where data can be easily aggregated and analyzed. Recognizing data that relates to identifiable persons is crucial for determining the scope of the regulation's applicability and the obligations it imposes on organizations handling such data.

The other options presented do not accurately capture the wider definition of personal data as established by the GDPR. For instance, the notion that personal data only pertains to financial transactions or is limited to information about minors significantly narrows the scope of what personal data entails under the GDPR. Furthermore, categorizing personal data solely as publicly available information misrepresents the definition, as personal data can include private information regardless of its availability to