The sensitive data are a special category of personal data. This is information which, if disclosed, could cause harm to an individual or an organisation. They require extra protection because of their sensitive nature.
According to the Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL), data is considered sensitive when it reveals :
- racial or ethnic origin
- political opinions
- religious or philosophical beliefs
- trade union membership
- Health information
- genetic data
- biometric data
- Data relating to sex life or sexual orientation
- Information on criminal convictions and offences
