Learn in the textbookFramework of the Personal Information Protection Act — Regulated Parties and the Definition of Protected Data
DefinitionSpecial Care-Required Personal Information (要配慮個人情報) is personal information that the law says must be handled with particular care so that it does not lead to unfair discrimination or prejudice against the person.
ExplanationIt includes, for example, race, creed, social status, medical history, criminal record and the fact of having been a crime victim. Acquiring it generally requires the person's consent, and it cannot be provided to third parties through opt-out (オプトアウト), the scheme that allows provision unless the person objects.
AnalogyIt is like a conversation in a doctor's office: if it gets out, the person may face discrimination or prejudice. You ask before you hear it, and you do not pass it on without permission.
Memory hookThe Japanese name "要配慮" reads as "配慮を要する", meaning "requiring consideration".