What is special category data?

What is special category data?

Special category data is defined in Article 9 of the GDPR and consists of personal data that includes;

• Racial or ethnic origin
• Political opinions
• Religious of philosophical beliefs
• Trade Union membership
• Genetic data
• Biometric data for the purpose of identifying an individual
• Data relating to an individuals’ physical or mental health
• Data concerning a person’s sex life or sexual orientation

Special category data does not include data relating to criminal convictions and offences.

This data is treated differently under data protection legislation, and you can learn more about this by reading our Criminal Conviction Data Policy (PDF, 221.8 KB) .