Security Guide
AI Data Classification Guide (2026) - Sensitivity & Handling Rules
AI data classification levels: public (no restrictions), internal (company use only), confidential (restricted access), restricted (highest sensitivity). Apply handling rules: encryption, access controls, logging, retention. Match to compliance requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, SOC2).
Direct answer
AI data classification levels: public (no restrictions), internal (company use only), confidential (restricted access), restricted (highest sensitivity). Apply handling rules: encryption, access controls, logging, retention. Match to compliance requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, SOC2).
Fast path
- Classify: assign sensitivity level based on content (PII, financial, confidential).
- Controls: apply handling rules per level (encryption, access, logging).
- Access: restrict AI processing based on data classification.
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Implementation Steps
- Classify: assign sensitivity level based on content (PII, financial, confidential).
- Controls: apply handling rules per level (encryption, access, logging).
- Access: restrict AI processing based on data classification.
- Retention: define how long AI can retain data per classification.
- Audit: log all AI interactions with classified data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to classify data for AI systems?
Classify AI data: public (marketing, general info), internal (business operations, non-sensitive), confidential (customer data, financial), restricted (PII, HIPAA data, trade secrets). Apply controls: encryption (confidential+), access controls, logging, retention limits. Match to GDPR/HIPAA/SOC2 requirements.
What data cannot be sent to AI?
Do not send to AI: PII without consent (names, SSN, addresses), HIPAA data (health info without BAA), financial data (account numbers, transactions), trade secrets (confidential business info), legal documents (privilege concerns). Use anonymization, synthetic data, or approved enterprise AI with appropriate BAAs.
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