Userdata

Userdata refers to information associated with a user that is stored or generated by a system, service, or application. It includes data directly supplied by the user, such as profile details, contact information, authentication credentials, and content uploaded or created by the user, as well as data produced by the system about user activity, such as preferences, settings, and usage logs. Userdata is distinct from system configuration or code and is typically linked to an individual user or account.

In practice, userdata encompasses personal data (names, addresses, email, payment details), demographic information, and non-personal data such as preferences and behavior. It may also include device identifiers, location data, and the content generated within a service (posts, messages, files). Some organizations separate personal data from aggregated or de-identified usage data for analytics.

Handling and protection: Organizations collect, store, and process userdata under consent or legal basis. Data minimization, purpose limitation, and data retention policies are commonly applied. Security measures include encryption, access controls, and regular audits. Privacy laws and regulations (for example, the GDPR in the EU and the CCPA in California) regulate collection, use, storage, and individuals' rights, such as access, correction, deletion, and data portability.

Contexts and storage: In computing systems, userdata storage locations vary by platform. Unix-like systems use a home directory for user files; Windows uses user profiles; mobile platforms often isolate userdata within apps or a dedicated user data partition. In cloud services, userdata is tied to user accounts and may be replicated across data centers for resilience.