What type of information is specifically protected under GDPR?

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), personal data is any information relating to an identified or identifiable person, and specific types of personal data have additional protections. Medical information falls into the category of sensitive personal data, which also includes details about an individual’s health, racial or ethnic origin, and political opinions, among others.

The heightened protection for medical information under GDPR is designed to safeguard individuals' privacy and prevent misuse of data that can have significant repercussions for their personal lives. This includes ensuring that explicit consent is obtained before processing such data and that strict measures are in place to handle and protect the data appropriately.

In contrast, the other options listed do not involve personal data in the way that medical information does. Social media trends, market analyses, and business plans may involve data and insights but do not directly relate to specific individuals’ data rights as defined by GDPR.