{"id":5070,"date":"2025-11-02T14:13:39","date_gmt":"2025-11-02T13:13:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arcadsoftware.com\/dot\/?p=5070"},"modified":"2025-11-18T10:57:37","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T09:57:37","slug":"gdpr-where-to-start-identify-your-personal-data","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arcadsoftware.com\/dot\/resources\/blog-en\/gdpr-where-to-start-identify-your-personal-data\/","title":{"rendered":"Identifying Personal Data \u2013 GDPR: Where to Start?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1248px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:66.666666666667%;--awb-margin-top-large:20px;--awb-spacing-right-large:2.88%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:2.88%;--awb-width-medium:66.666666666667%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:2.88%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:2.88%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-image-element \" style=\"text-align:center;--awb-max-width:600px;--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\" style=\"border-radius:8px;\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"298\" alt=\"Identification donn\u00e9es personnelles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.arcadsoftware.com\/dot\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/identifier-donnees-personnelles-rgpd.webp\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/www.arcadsoftware.com\/dot\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/identifier-donnees-personnelles-rgpd.webp\" class=\"lazyload img-responsive wp-image-12423\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27800%27%20height%3D%27298%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20800%20298%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27800%27%20height%3D%27298%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.arcadsoftware.com\/dot\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/identifier-donnees-personnelles-rgpd-200x75.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.arcadsoftware.com\/dot\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/identifier-donnees-personnelles-rgpd-400x149.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.arcadsoftware.com\/dot\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/identifier-donnees-personnelles-rgpd-600x224.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.arcadsoftware.com\/dot\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/identifier-donnees-personnelles-rgpd.webp 800w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:66.666666666667%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:2.88%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:2.88%;--awb-width-medium:66.666666666667%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:2.88%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:2.88%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1 author\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\">Article written by Amina Belhassena, October 3, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:66.666666666667%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:2.88%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:2.88%;--awb-width-medium:66.666666666667%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:2.88%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:2.88%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><p>The GDPR requires companies to ensure the protection of personal data belonging to their users and customers. The first essential step toward compliance is to <strong>identify the personal data<\/strong> stored within your systems. In this article, discover why this step is crucial, the challenges you may face when detecting data, and how to choose the right solutions to achieve optimal GDPR compliance.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-right:20px;--awb-padding-left:20px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" id=\"blog-content\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1248px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column summary\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:25px;--awb-padding-right:25px;--awb-padding-bottom:25px;--awb-padding-left:25px;--awb-padding-left-small:0px;--awb-bg-color:rgba(0,166,249,0.1);--awb-bg-color-hover:rgba(0,166,249,0.1);--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-box-shadow:15px 15px 16px -6px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);;--awb-width-large:66.666666666667%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:2.88%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:40px;--awb-spacing-left-large:2.88%;--awb-width-medium:66.666666666667%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:2.88%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:2.88%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n(function ($) {\n  function setInnerLinks(containerID, elementClass) {\n    var $container = $('#' + containerID);\n    if (!$container.length) return;\n\n    \/\/ Emplacement du sommaire (Avada) avec repli sur le container\n    var $host = $(\"#blog-content .fusion-layout-column.summary .fusion-column-wrapper\");\n    if (!$host.length) $host = $container;\n\n    \/\/ Cr\u00e9e le bloc sommaire une seule fois\n    var $summary = $host.find('.summary');\n    if (!$summary.length) {\n      $summary = $(\"<div class='summary'><\/div>\");\n      var host = window.location.hostname.toLowerCase();\nvar tocTitle =\n  host.endsWith('.fr') ? 'Sommaire' :\n  host.endsWith('.com') ? 'Summary' :\n  ((document.documentElement.lang || '').toLowerCase().startsWith('fr') ? 'Sommaire' : 'Summary');\n\n\/\/ Insertion du titre (en texte, pas en HTML)\n$summary.append($('<h2\/>', { text: tocTitle, class: 'exclude-summary', style: 'padding-left: 25px;' }));\n      $summary.append(\"<ol id='\" + containerID + \"_links'><\/ol>\");\n      $host.prepend($summary);\n    }\n    var $list = $('#' + containerID + '_links').empty();\n\n    \/\/ Helpers: enlever la num\u00e9rotation, slug, unicit\u00e9\n    function stripLeadingEnumeration(str) {\n      var s = (str || '').trim();\n\n      \/\/ Cas 1 : \"1) Titre\", \"1. 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($header.outerHeight() || 0) : 0;\n\n    \/\/ D\u00e9l\u00e9gation: un seul handler pour tous les liens\n    $list.off('click.toc').on('click.toc', 'a', function (e) {\n      e.preventDefault();\n      var targetId = $(this).attr('href'); \/\/ ex: #vs-code-settings-sync\n      var $t = $(targetId);\n      if (!$t.length) return;\n\n      var y = Math.max($t.offset().top - offset, 0);\n      $('html, body').animate({ scrollTop: y }, 400);\n\n      \/\/ Met \u00e0 jour l\u2019URL sans jump\n      if (history.replaceState) history.replaceState(null, '', targetId);\n    });\n  }\n\n  \/\/ Document ready\n  $(function () {\n    setInnerLinks('blog-content', 'h2:not(.exclude-summary)');\n  });\n\n  \/\/ Optionnel: exporter la fonction\n  window.setInnerLinks = setInnerLinks;\n})(jQuery);\n<\/script>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:66.666666666667%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:2.88%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:2.88%;--awb-width-medium:66.666666666667%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:2.88%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:2.88%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:12px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:24px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:54;line-height:1.14;\">1. Data Discovery: An Essential Step for GDPR Compliance<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\" style=\"--awb-content-alignment:left;\"><p>When you begin a GDPR compliance project, you do not always know where your data is stored:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>You do not know the exact location of the data:<\/strong> Your software packages (ERP, CRM, etc.) contain data, but you don\u2019t necessarily know where it is physically stored.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Software vendors may be unable to locate the data:<\/strong> In some cases, the vendor cannot identify where the data resides, often due to customizations or limited knowledge of the storage framework.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In this context, <a href=\"\/dot\/detection-of-personal-and-identifying-data\/data-discovery-service\/\">personal data discovery<\/a> becomes essential. By scanning databases and files according to <a href=\"\/dot\/resources\/blog-en\/data-masking-and-anonymization-understanding-the-different-algorithms\/\">defined algorithms<\/a>, the software identifies data sources and helps you build your data inventory to initiate compliance activities.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-2 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:12px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:24px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:54;line-height:1.14;\">2. Create and Maintain a GDPR-Compliant Data Register?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\" style=\"--awb-content-alignment:left;\"><p>According to the CNIL, \u201cthe record of processing activities allows you to list your data processing operations and provides an overview of how you use personal data.\u201d This record is required by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnil.fr\/fr\/reglement-europeen-protection-donnees\/chapitre4#Article30\">Article 30 of the GDPR<\/a> and contributes to the documentation of compliance.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"--fontsize: 22; line-height: 1.26; --minfontsize: 22;\" data-fontsize=\"22\" data-lineheight=\"27.72px\">To build your register, identify and document the following information:<\/h3>\n<\/div><ul style=\"--awb-margin-top:-10px;--awb-item-padding-top:0px;--awb-item-padding-bottom:0px;--awb-iconcolor:#24abc4;--awb-line-height:34px;--awb-icon-width:34px;--awb-icon-height:34px;--awb-icon-margin:14px;--awb-content-margin:48px;\" class=\"fusion-checklist fusion-checklist-1 type-icons\"><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">The Who?<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin-top: 0px;\">\n<li>Data controller<\/li>\n<li>Processing operators<\/li>\n<li>Sub-processors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">The What?<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin-top: 0px;\">\n<li>Categories of data<\/li>\n<li>Data sensitivity levels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">The Why?<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin-top: 0px;\">\n<li>Purpose of data collection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">The Where?<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin-top: 0px;\">\n<li>Data storage locations<\/li>\n<li>Countries where the data may be transferred<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">Until when?<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin-top: 0px;\">\n<li>Data retention periods<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">The How?<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin-top: 0px;\">\n<li>Access methods and security measures in place<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\" style=\"--awb-content-alignment:left;\"><p style=\"margin-top: 20px;\">Creating this register can be greatly facilitated by <a href=\"\/dot\/detection-of-personal-and-identifying-data\/data-discovery-service\/\">data discovery software<\/a>, which provides a technical foundation for the work ahead. Knowing your data sources and the types of data stored enables easier categorization and reduces the risk of forgetting part of the data.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-5 fusion_builder_column_3_5 3_5 fusion-flex-column cta-box\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:25px;--awb-padding-right:40px;--awb-padding-bottom:30px;--awb-padding-left:40px;--awb-bg-image:radial-gradient(circle at center center, #daeaf65e 0%,#daeaf61a 100%);--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-box-shadow:3px 3px 4px 0px #daeaf65e;;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color5);--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:60%;--awb-margin-top-large:25px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.2%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.2%;--awb-width-medium:60%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:3.2%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:3.2%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"--awb-content-alignment:center;--awb-font-size:25px;--awb-text-color:var(--awb-color6);--awb-margin-bottom:15px;--awb-text-font-family:&quot;Poppins&quot;;--awb-text-font-style:normal;--awb-text-font-weight:800;\"><p>Detect your personal and identifying data with DATA Discovery<\/p>\n<\/div><div style=\"text-align:center;\"><a class=\"fusion-button button-flat button-medium button-custom fusion-button-default button-1 fusion-button-default-span fusion-button-default-type\" style=\"--button_accent_color:#ffffff;--button_border_color:var(--awb-color6);--button_accent_hover_color:var(--awb-color1);--button_border_hover_color:var(--awb-color6);--button_gradient_top_color:var(--awb-color6);--button_gradient_bottom_color:var(--awb-color6);--button_gradient_top_color_hover:var(--awb-color6);--button_gradient_bottom_color_hover:var(--awb-color6);\" target=\"_self\" data-hover=\"text_slide_up\" href=\"\/dot\/detection-of-personal-and-identifying-data\/data-discovery-service\/\"><div class=\"awb-button-text-transition  awb-button__hover-content--centered\"><span class=\"fusion-button-text awb-button__text awb-button__text--default\">Discover DATA Discovery<\/span><span class=\"fusion-button-text awb-button__text awb-button__text--default\">Discover DATA Discovery<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-6 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:66.666666666667%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:2.88%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:2.88%;--awb-width-medium:66.666666666667%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:2.88%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:2.88%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-3 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:12px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:24px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:54;line-height:1.14;\">3. What Challenges Must Be Overcome When Searching for Personal Data?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\" style=\"--awb-content-alignment:left;\"><p>The main challenge in <strong>data detection<\/strong> lies in ensuring the exhaustiveness of data sources and of the detection rules.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-4 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:12px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:24px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h3 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.26;\">Data sources to inventory<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><p>A \u201cdata source\u201d refers to any place where information is stored:<\/p>\n<\/div><ul style=\"--awb-margin-top:-10px;--awb-item-padding-top:2px;--awb-item-padding-bottom:2px;--awb-iconcolor:#24abc4;--awb-line-height:34px;--awb-icon-width:34px;--awb-icon-height:34px;--awb-icon-margin:14px;--awb-content-margin:48px;\" class=\"fusion-checklist fusion-checklist-2 type-icons\"><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p><strong>Databases:<\/strong> SQL, NoSQL<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p><strong>Application storage outside DBs:<\/strong> XML, files<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p><strong>Emails:<\/strong> Server and user machines<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p><strong>Hidden data:<\/strong> Excel files, CSVs, shared documents<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\" style=\"--awb-content-alignment:left;\"><p style=\"margin-top: 20px;\">This inventory must not be overlooked: the more detailed it is, the more effective the detection will be.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-5 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:12px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:24px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h3 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.26;\">Types of data protected by the GDPR<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\"><p>It is important to remember that GDPR-protected personal data is not limited to sensitive data (political opinions, racial origin, sexual orientation, religion\u2026), which are in principle prohibited from being collected except under specific exceptions. <span style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);\">Any information that can identify a person is considered personal data, whether: <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><ul style=\"--awb-margin-top:-10px;--awb-item-padding-top:0px;--awb-item-padding-bottom:0px;--awb-iconcolor:#24abc4;--awb-line-height:34px;--awb-icon-width:34px;--awb-icon-height:34px;--awb-icon-margin:14px;--awb-content-margin:48px;\" class=\"fusion-checklist fusion-checklist-3 type-icons\"><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p><strong>Directly identifiable:<\/strong> name, photo, fingerprint, postal address, email address, phone number, social security number, internal ID, IP address, login, voice recording, etc.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p><strong>Indirectly identifiable:<\/strong> information that, when combined with other data, allows identification of a person.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-6 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:30px;--awb-margin-top-small:12px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:24px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h3 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.26;\">Data detection<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11\" style=\"--awb-content-alignment:left;\"><p>Detection rules help identify these data types\u2014whether direct or quasi-direct\u2014and ensure their protection in accordance with GDPR.<\/p>\n<p>Such data often follow identifiable formats detectable through various computing methods, for example:<\/p>\n<\/div><ul style=\"--awb-margin-top:-10px;--awb-item-padding-top:2px;--awb-item-padding-bottom:2px;--awb-iconcolor:#24abc4;--awb-line-height:34px;--awb-icon-width:34px;--awb-icon-height:34px;--awb-icon-margin:14px;--awb-content-margin:48px;\" class=\"fusion-checklist fusion-checklist-4 type-icons\"><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p>Physical address<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p>Postal code<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p>Name<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p>Date of birth<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p>Face in an image<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p>GPS position<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12\" style=\"--awb-content-alignment:left;\"><p style=\"margin-top: 20px;\"><strong>These personal data<\/strong> must then be <strong>protected<\/strong> in their primary use and must not be reused for other purposes, except if they are decoupled from identifying attributes (i.e., anonymized).<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-7 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:12px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:24px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:54;line-height:1.14;\">4. How to Choose a Data Discovery Solution?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-13\"><p>Choosing a personal data detection solution depends on several criteria:<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-8 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:12px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:24px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h3 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.26;\">1. The purpose of detection<\/h3><\/div><ul style=\"--awb-margin-top:-10px;--awb-item-padding-top:0px;--awb-item-padding-bottom:0px;--awb-iconcolor:#24abc4;--awb-line-height:34px;--awb-icon-width:34px;--awb-icon-height:34px;--awb-icon-margin:14px;--awb-content-margin:48px;\" class=\"fusion-checklist fusion-checklist-5 type-icons\"><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p><strong>Deletion of an individual:<\/strong> Locate all data related to a person to fulfill a right-to-erasure request.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p><strong>Extraction for testing:<\/strong> Extract targeted datasets for testing without compromising confidentiality.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-9 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:30px;--awb-margin-top-small:12px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:24px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h3 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.26;\">2. Cost and complexity<\/h3><\/div><ul style=\"--awb-margin-top:-10px;--awb-item-padding-top:0px;--awb-item-padding-bottom:0px;--awb-iconcolor:#24abc4;--awb-line-height:34px;--awb-icon-width:34px;--awb-icon-height:34px;--awb-icon-margin:14px;--awb-content-margin:48px;\" class=\"fusion-checklist fusion-checklist-6 type-icons\"><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p>It is unnecessary to deploy complex detection processes for low-quality data or data requiring only partial anonymization.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"fusion-li-item\" style=\"\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper circle-no\"><i class=\"fusion-li-icon icon-mkb-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"fusion-li-item-content\">\n<p>Reducing detection complexity enables faster and more cost-effective processing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-10 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:30px;--awb-margin-top-small:12px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:24px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h3 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.26;\">3. Define the scope of the requirement<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-14\"><p>GDPR does not require anonymizing all company data, but only the data that falls outside the purpose for which it was collected. It is therefore essential to clearly define the scope to avoid excessive costs.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-11 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:12px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:24px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:54;line-height:1.14;\">Conclusion<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-15\"><p>In conclusion, personal data detection and management are essential steps for any organization aiming to comply with the <a href=\"\/dot\/anonymization-and-gdpr-key-challenges-obligations-and-best-practices\/\">GDPR<\/a>. Choosing the right detection and data management solutions\u2014adapted to your company\u2019s specific needs\u2014is crucial to ensuring optimal compliance. <span style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);\"><b><a href=\"\/dot\/contact-us\/\">Contact us<\/a><\/b> to learn more about our GDP<span style=\"color: #000000;\">R<\/span> data discovery tools and start securing your personal data today. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-right:20px;--awb-padding-left:20px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1248px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-7 fusion_builder_column_3_5 3_5 fusion-flex-column cta-box\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:25px;--awb-padding-right:40px;--awb-padding-bottom:30px;--awb-padding-left:40px;--awb-bg-image:radial-gradient(circle at center center, #daeaf65e 0%,#daeaf61a 100%);--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-box-shadow:3px 3px 4px 0px #daeaf65e;;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color5);--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:60%;--awb-margin-top-large:25px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.2%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.2%;--awb-width-medium:60%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:3.2%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:3.2%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-16 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"--awb-content-alignment:center;--awb-font-size:25px;--awb-text-color:var(--awb-color6);--awb-margin-bottom:15px;--awb-text-font-family:&quot;Poppins&quot;;--awb-text-font-style:normal;--awb-text-font-weight:800;\"><p>Detect your personal and identifying data with DATA Discovery<\/p>\n<\/div><div style=\"text-align:center;\"><a class=\"fusion-button button-flat button-medium button-custom fusion-button-default button-2 fusion-button-default-span fusion-button-default-type\" style=\"--button_accent_color:#ffffff;--button_border_color:var(--awb-color6);--button_accent_hover_color:var(--awb-color1);--button_border_hover_color:var(--awb-color6);--button_gradient_top_color:var(--awb-color6);--button_gradient_bottom_color:var(--awb-color6);--button_gradient_top_color_hover:var(--awb-color6);--button_gradient_bottom_color_hover:var(--awb-color6);\" target=\"_self\" data-hover=\"text_slide_up\" href=\"\/dot\/detection-of-personal-and-identifying-data\/data-discovery-service\/\"><div class=\"awb-button-text-transition  awb-button__hover-content--centered\"><span class=\"fusion-button-text awb-button__text awb-button__text--default\">Discover DATA Discovery<\/span><span class=\"fusion-button-text awb-button__text awb-button__text--default\">Discover DATA Discovery<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-4 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-top:45px;--awb-padding-right-small:20px;--awb-padding-left-small:20px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1248px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-8 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:25px;--awb-padding-right:25px;--awb-padding-left:25px;--awb-bg-color:var(--awb-color1);--awb-bg-color-hover:var(--awb-color1);--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-box-shadow:2px 1px 4px 0px rgba(33,41,52,0.41);;--awb-width-large:51%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.7647058823529%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.7647058823529%;--awb-width-medium:51%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:3.7647058823529%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:3.7647058823529%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-12 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-text-color:var(--awb-color6);--awb-margin-top:0px;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;--awb-margin-top-small:12px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:24px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-font-size:20px;\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Poppins&quot;;font-style:normal;font-weight:300;margin:0;font-size:1em;--fontSize:20;--minFontSize:20;line-height:1.14;\">About the Author<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-0 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_5 1_5 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:20%;--awb-margin-top-large:20px;--awb-spacing-right-large:0%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:5px;--awb-spacing-left-large:9.6%;--awb-width-medium:20%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:0%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:9.6%;--awb-width-small:20%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:0%;--awb-margin-bottom-small:0px;--awb-spacing-left-small:9.6%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-image-element \" style=\"--awb-max-width:130px;--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-2 hover-type-none\" style=\"border-radius:50px;\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Photo de l&#039;auteur\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27200%27%20height%3D%27200%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20200%20200%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27200%27%20height%3D%27200%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/www.arcadsoftware.fr\/dot\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/amina-belhassena-dot.png\" class=\"lazyload img-responsive wp-image-12879\"\/><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-1 fusion_builder_column_inner_3_4 3_4 fusion-flex-column fusion-flex-align-self-center\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:75%;--awb-margin-top-large:20px;--awb-spacing-right-large:2.56%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:2.56%;--awb-width-medium:75%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:2.56%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:2.56%;--awb-width-small:80%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-spacing-right-small:2.4%;--awb-spacing-left-small:2.4%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-13 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"--awb-text-color:var(--awb-color6);--awb-margin-top:0px;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:0px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-font-size:22px;\"><h3 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Poppins&quot;;font-style:normal;font-weight:600;margin:0;font-size:1em;--fontSize:22;--minFontSize:22;line-height:1.26;\">Amina Belhassena<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-14 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-four\" style=\"--awb-text-color:var(--awb-color6);--awb-margin-top:0px;--awb-margin-bottom:5px;--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:10px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-font-size:16px;\"><h4 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Poppins&quot;;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;margin:0;font-size:1em;--fontSize:16;--minFontSize:16;line-height:1.4;\">Solution Architect, ARCAD Software<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-2 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-17\" style=\"--awb-font-size:14px;--awb-line-height:1.4;--awb-text-font-family:&quot;Poppins&quot;;--awb-text-font-style:normal;--awb-text-font-weight:400;\"><p>Holder of a PhD in Computer Science and Technologies with a specialization in Big Data Processing, Amina worked for several years in various data-focused companies, where she gained solid experience in data processing, management, and value creation. She joined ARCAD Software in 2024 as a Product Manager before moving into the role of DOT Solution Architect, where she now supports clients in their data anonymization and sampling projects.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Identify your personal data to build your data register and ensure optimal GDPR compliance!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":12423,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[113],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5070","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-en"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Identifying Personal Data \u2013 GDPR: Where to Start?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Identify your personal data to build your data register and ensure optimal GDPR compliance!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.arcadsoftware.com\/dot\/resources\/blog-en\/gdpr-where-to-start-identify-your-personal-data\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Identifying Personal Data \u2013 GDPR: Where to Start?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Identify your personal data to build your data register and ensure optimal GDPR compliance!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.arcadsoftware.com\/dot\/resources\/blog-en\/gdpr-where-to-start-identify-your-personal-data\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"DOT - 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