- Introduction
- Framework
- Overview
- Planning the PIA Process
- Conducting the PIA process
Part VI – Additional Information
Persons at Risk, and Vulnerable Populations
Some people, in some circumstances, face particularly serious risks if their personal data is disclosed. This applies especially to their physical location or data that may result in disclosure of their physical location. It may also apply to, for example, health care or financial data. Useful generic terms for people to whom this applies are 'persons at risk' and 'vulnerable populations'.
Categories of persons whose physical safety is at risk include:
- people who are under the direct threat of violence, including:
- people concealing themselves from previous criminal associates
- victims of domestic violence
- protected witnesses
- people who have been the subject of public or private threats to their safety
- celebrities, notorieties and VIPs, including:
- politicians
- entertainers and sportspeople
- people 'in the public eye', such as lottery winners or those who publicly promote controversial views
- people in security-sensitive roles, such as:
- national security operatives
- undercover police
- prison warders
- staff in psychiatric institutions
Even where physical safety is not under threat, care may still be needed in respect of 'vulnerable populations', some of whom may find it difficult to exercise control over their personal data. Examples include:
- children
- people with mental disabilities
- people with severe physical disabilities
- the comatose
- people in institutions, particularly for mental health and senile dementia care
- recently-released prisoners and parolees
- the homeless
- refugees
- those with certain health status