Data Protection & Freedom of Information Office

Special Category Data

Special Category Data

Special category data is personal data that is more sensitive and therefore requires additional protection. 

Special category personal data is information relating to:

  • racial or ethnic origin
  • political opinions
  • religious or philosophical beliefs
  • trade union membership
  • genetic or biometric data processed for the purpose of identification
  • health
  • sex life or sexual orientation

For guidance on how to lawfully process special category data, please see our lawful basis for processing webpage.