Concept
Data is any representation of information, facts, opinions or instructions in a form suitable for communication, interpretation or processing.
"data" means a representation of information, facts, concepts, opinions or instructions in a manner suitable for communication, interpretation or processing by human beings or by automated means.
Data is the base building block. Personal data is a subset of it: data that is about an identifiable individual.
The definition is broad on purpose, covering anything from a number in a spreadsheet to a scanned document, as long as it can be communicated, interpreted or processed.
A list of temperatures is data. A list of temperatures tied to named patients is personal data.
Is all data regulated by the Act?
No. The Act regulates digital personal data. Data that is not about an identifiable individual is outside it.
How is data different from personal data?
Personal data is data about an identifiable individual. Data is the wider category it sits within.