Why Data Privacy Matters

Personal data is any information relating to an identified or identifiable person. It is far broader than names and ID numbers.

• Email, phone, address
• IP address, device IDs, cookies
• Location history
• Photos, voice recordings
• Behavioral and purchase data

If data can single someone out, directly or combined with other data, it is personal data.

Some categories carry higher risk and stricter rules:

• Health and genetic data
• Biometric data
• Racial or ethnic origin
• Religious or political beliefs
• Sexual orientation

Under GDPR and KVKK this is special category data. Processing it generally requires explicit consent or a specific legal basis and stronger safeguards.