personal information
Definition
Personal information is any data that can identify a specific individual, such as a person's name, address, phone number, email, Social Security number, or even their IP address. Privacy laws require businesses that collect this type of information to handle it carefully, store it securely, and be transparent about how they use it.
Example
When a customer fills out your online contact form with their name and email address, you are collecting personal information and take on legal responsibilities for keeping that data safe.
Watch Out
Many small business owners don't realize that collecting even basic contact details triggers legal obligations under privacy laws like the CCPA or GDPR, which can carry steep fines for mishandling.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.