Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is any information about an individual which can be used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity such as name, Social Security Number (SSN), date and place of birth, mother's maiden name, and biometric records. This information can be in hard copy (paper copy files) or electronic format, stored on personal computers, laptops and personal electronic devices such as BlackBerry® devices and found within databases. This includes but is not limited to, education records, financial transactions, medical files, criminal records, or employment history.

Examples of PII
Examples of PII


As an individual, you have rights regarding:

  • What information is collected about you
  • How it will be used
  • The ability to correct it if necessary
  • Having it protected from unauthorized disclosure

As an Army employee (civilian, military) or contractor, you have responsibilities to:

  • Be able to recognize PII and safeguard it
  • Collect PII only when authorized
  • Collect only necessary information
  • Tell the individual why you are collecting PII, who will see it, and what will happen if the individual does not provide the requested information
  • Keep the PII accurate, relevant, timely and complete
  • Keep PII confidential and protect it from misuse or loss or breach