Privacy & Data Protection

Personal Information

Information about an identifiable individual — broader than most people assume.

It covers obvious identifiers such as name and email, and also information that could identify someone in combination with other data, including device identifiers and behavioural records. Business contact information is treated differently under some statutes.

Why it matters: the test is whether an individual could reasonably be identified, so data a business considers anonymous may still be regulated.

Related terms

Need this applied to your situation?

A definition can tell you what a term means. It cannot tell you what to do about your matter — that needs a licensed lawyer who knows the facts.

Legal information, not legal advice. Rules differ by province and change over time. A licensed lawyer must review your matter.

Editorial status: Lawkin Editorial — pending independent legal review.

Personal Information — Canadian legal glossary | Lawkin — Lawkin