What does Personally Identifiable Information (PII) refer to?

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) refers specifically to information that can be used to identify an individual or to distinguish one person from another. This includes data points such as names, social security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and other details that, when combined, provide the means to locate or identify a person. Understanding PII is crucial, especially in the context of criminal justice and data privacy, as it emphasizes the importance of protecting sensitive information that could lead to identity theft, privacy violations, or other criminal activities.

The other choices do not accurately describe PII. Aggregate data used for analysis typically involves statistical data compiled from multiple individuals and does not refer to uniquely identifiable information. Similarly, statistics without personal information do not include any identifiable aspects, thereby excluding them from the definition of PII. General demographic information, while it may encompass some elements that can indirectly identify individuals, often relates to broader groups rather than pinpointing specific individuals. Therefore, the correct choice provides a clear and direct explanation of what PII is and its significance.