What is anthropometric data?
Definition
Anthropometric data is information about the measurements of a person's body, such as height, weight, or limb and head size. Linked to a named person, it is personal data.
- Category
- Data
- Also called
- body measurement data
- Last updated
Anthropometry is the measurement of the human body. Anthropometric data is the result: height, weight, waist size, hand or head dimensions and similar figures. It shows up in health records, school check-ups, clothing fit tools, fitness apps and product design.
How it relates to biometric data
The two terms overlap but aren't the same. NIST describes biometrics as automated recognition of people from biological or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial features, iris patterns or voice prints. Anthropometric data is a plain measurement. It becomes biometric when it is used to recognize or verify who someone is. Your height on a doctor's chart is anthropometric. A system that identifies you by hand geometry uses it as a biometric.
Why it matters for privacy
On its own, a list of measurements says little. Attached to your name, an account or a health profile, it is information about you that others can use. Body measurements can reveal health conditions, and fit-scanning or fitness apps can store them for years. If one of those services is breached, your measurements leak along with your email and name.
An example: a clothing app that uses your phone camera to scan your body stores the measurements with your account. Later the company is sold and the data moves with it.
Anthropometric data vs. other personal data
An address or phone number identifies you directly. Measurements usually don't, but they add detail to a profile that someone has already built.
How to protect yourself
- 1
Check what an app stores
Before you scan or enter measurements, read what the app says it keeps and for how long.
- 2
Skip optional measurements
If a form asks for height, weight or a body scan and you don't need the feature, leave it out.
- 3
Delete old accounts
Remove fitness, fashion and fit-scanning accounts you no longer use, and ask the company to delete the data.
- 4
Ask for your data
In many places, such as the UK and EU, you can ask a company for a copy of the personal data it holds on you.
See where your personal data is exposed
Serus finds it on data brokers and people-search sites and removes it.
Frequently asked
Is anthropometric data personal data?
When it can be linked to an identifiable person, it is personal information. Whether it also counts as special or sensitive data depends on the law where you live and how it is used.
Is anthropometric data the same as biometric data?
No. Anthropometric data is body measurement. Biometric data is information used to recognize a person from physical or behavioral traits. Measurements can serve as biometrics when used that way.
What are examples of anthropometric data?
Height, weight, waist circumference, head circumference, arm length and shoe size are common examples.
Sources
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