Personal Identifiers also known as PID are a subset of personally identifiable information

Personally identifiable information

Personally Identifiable Information , as used in information security, is information that can be used to uniquely identify, contact, or locate a single person or can be used with other sources to uniquely identify a single individual...

 (PII) data element

Data element

In metadata, the term data element is an atomic unit of data that has precise meaning or precise semantics. A data element has:# An identification such as a data element name# A clear data element definition# One or more representation terms...

s that identify a unique individual and can permit another person to “assume” that individual’s identity without their knowledge or consent.

This can occur when PID data elements are use:

1. alone
2. combined with a person’s name,
3. combined with other PID data elements OR
4. combined with other PII

Examples of PID

Examples provided only as guidance, there may be others used in your location and they may vary by country or region.

Privately issued ID credentials

• Benefit plan participation number
• Private health care authorization, access, or identification number

Transactional financial account numbers

• Bank account number
• Credit/debit card
  Debit card
  A debit card is a plastic card that provides the cardholder electronic access to his or her bank account/s at a financial institution...
  
  account number
• Personal identification number (PIN)

European-defined sensitive data

Treated as PID globally, not just for citizens of the EU

• Racial or ethnic origin
• Political opinions
• Religious or philosophical beliefs
• Trade-union membership
• Health or sex life
• Offenses, criminal convictions, or security measures
• Proceedings from crimes or offenses