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Sharing sensitive personal information

We’re all aware (and often reminded) of the importance of keeping everyone’s data safe. But we sometimes forget that this goes beyond the kind of personal data - involved in fraud and identity theft - that we’re always keen to protect.




In fact, according to data protection regulations, what’s known as ‘sensitive information’ about someone needs even more protection than their personal data.

Sensitive information includes details about someone’s:

  • Health - eg MS diagnosis or mental health
  • Ethnicity and race
  • Religion and philosophical beliefs
  • Sexual orientation or sex life
  • Biometric data – eg thumb and facial markers used for identification
  • Genetic data
  • Trade union membership
  • Political opinions

Our work with and for people affected by MS naturally involves working with sensitive information — particularly health data. So, we all need to remember that this kind of information requires extra protection.

This means:

  • Treating information you have access to confidentially and respectfully.

  • Not revealing or sharing sensitive information by any means (including verbally and informally) unless you have explicit permission to do so.

  • Not making assumptions about someone based just on appearance or limited data. For example, don’t assume that because someone’s a wheelchair user they have MS. Or, don’t assume that someone’s wearing a head covering for religious reasons when it could equally be for medical reasons. Making assumptions about someone’s condition, and what they’re comfortable with or capable of, could alter how you treat them.

Remember that everyone’s journey is different, and someone may not be ready to discuss their condition or other special characteristics. If this is the case, you must respect their wishes and abide by data protection rules.

By treating these categories of data with extra care, you can help ensure people’s rights are protected and respected — so they don’t suffer discrimination and can enjoy a private life.

If you have any questions about what you can and can’t share, or simply want to find out more, please contact [email protected] .