A data class is a definition or set of rules that allows each type of data in a data store to be programmatically detected and classified, typically using a test or algorithm. Data privacy and security professionals associate data classes with specific rules that define the actions that should be taken when a given data class is detected. For example, sensitive information or personally identifiable information (PII) may be tagged with a business term or classification, and further data quality constraints may be applied to ensure proper handling and protection.