The simplest questions are sometimes the trickiest.
[log in to unmask] is the email address of a solicitor who works at the law firm Dechert and so arguably is personal data about that person (identified by the name; relatively unnusual but not unique) in combination with the work place. (Renzo Marchini on its own arguably does not identify anyone; much less so "john smith").
[log in to unmask] is not about any particular renzo marchini (there are others) (unless you take the view it is about that renzo marchini that has that email address) and so I would say that is not personal data.
However, of course, [log in to unmask] could be an identifier which can be used to build up a profile (in the same way as an ip address or cookie can do - if you accept that type of reasoning). But that is still not "personal data" - just like a name is not personal data - it only identifies someone.
A final word on this. There is often confusion when people use expressions such as "ip addresses are personal data" they sometimes (most times, perhaps) don't mean that literally. They mean "ip addresses can be used to identify someone so that buidling up information about that person with refernce to that ip address is personal data.
In short, on your facts,if the people on the list could identify you by some context and now know your email address, it might be processing of personal data - but if it was simply a "[log in to unmask]" type of listing and no recipient actually knows which John Smith it is, then not.
Not easy.
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Graham Wilford
Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2010 8:09 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] Is an email address personal data?
Hi
Recently an organisation sent me some information as part of a wider emailing and did not use bcc, meaning my address was opened to all.
I did not provide permission to use the address but have recieved mailings before and they were fine. But now all the mailing list know my email.
I am aware of Lindquist and Durant and as a result am not sure if an email address alone now consitutes personal data.
The email construct was similar to [log in to unmask]
Views?
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