Covered California Certified Enroller Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered Personally Identifiable Information (PII)?

1. Social media profile name

2. Email address

3. Favorite color

4. Website browsing history

The correct answer is: Email address

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) refers to any data that can be used to identify a specific individual. An email address is a prime example of PII because it often includes the individual's name or other identifying features, allowing for direct contact and identification. It can be connected to various personal accounts and sensitive information, making it essential to handle such data with care to protect an individual’s privacy. In contrast, while a social media profile name may sometimes be considered identifiable, it typically lacks the direct association with the individual unless the user's real identity is widely known. Favorite color and website browsing history do not directly reveal a person’s identity or provide a means for individuals to be contacted, which is the key aspect of what constitutes PII. Thus, an email address stands out as a clear part of the category of PII.