What is the primary focus of Personally Identifiable Information (PII)?

The primary focus of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is information that can identify an individual. PII encompasses any data that can be used to identify a person, alone or in combination with other information. This includes not only names and addresses but also various identifiers such as email addresses, phone numbers, and even characteristics that could be linked to a specific individual.

While it is true that elements like financial transaction data, health records, and Social Security numbers can all contain PII, they are considered subsets of the broader category. The essence of PII is its defining characteristic—its ability to pinpoint an individual's identity, which is crucial for privacy and data protection discussions. Understanding this distinction is foundational for recognizing how to protect sensitive information in various contexts.