Which of the following best defines personal data?

The definition of personal data is best captured by the second option, which states that it refers to information related to identifiable individuals. This encompasses any data that can be used to identify a specific person, either directly or indirectly. Personal data includes a wide variety of identifiers, such as names, identification numbers, location data, or even online identifiers. Understanding this definition is crucial in privacy management as it establishes the baseline for data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which aim to safeguard individuals' privacy and personal information.

The other options do not accurately describe personal data. For instance, data that can be publicly accessed without restrictions does not meet the criteria of personal data, as personal data is often subject to privacy regulations. Aggregated and anonymized data is explicitly excluded from being classified as personal data since it cannot be used to identify individuals, thereby reducing privacy risks. Finally, data collected solely for marketing purposes could include personal data; however, the focus on marketing does not encompass the broader and more accurate definition of personal data itself.