Rock the OneTrust Certified Privacy Pro Exam 2026 – Privacy Pros, Prepare to Shine!

"Special Categories" of personal data under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) refer to sensitive information that requires a higher level of protection due to its potential impact on the privacy of individuals. This category includes data types such as health information, racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and trade union membership.

The rationale behind this classification is to safeguard individuals from discrimination or harm that might arise from the misuse of such sensitive data. For example, health information can reveal vulnerabilities that may lead to discrimination in employment or insurance, while political opinions could lead to stigmatization or persecution.

In contrast, general demographic information, financial records, and employment history do not fall under this specific category. While these types of data are also protected under GDPR, they do not carry the same level of sensitivity that justifies the additional protections afforded to special categories.