Special categories of personal data (Article 9 GDPR) play a special role in the GDPR. They are considered sensitive data and are subject to a correspondingly high level of protection. Their processing is generally prohibited (just like all other personal data). Article 9 of the GDPR lists the relevant permissible circumstances under which processing is generally possible.
Special categories include:
- “Racial” and ethnic origin
- Political opinions
- Religious and philosophical beliefs
- Trade union membership
- Genetic data, biometric data for unique identification and health data
- Data on sexual life and sexual orientation