dataminimisation

Data minimisation is a principle of data protection and privacy that dictates that personal data should only be collected, processed, and stored for a specific, explicit, and legitimate purpose, and that the amount of data collected should be adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary for that purpose. It is a core component of many privacy regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union.

The principle encourages organizations to be mindful of the data they collect and to question whether each piece of information is truly essential for the intended use. This involves assessing the necessity and proportionality of data collection, and regularly reviewing and deleting data that is no longer needed. By collecting only the data that is strictly required, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches, minimize the potential for misuse, and enhance user privacy.

Implementing data minimisation requires a proactive approach. This includes designing systems and processes with privacy in mind from the outset, training staff on data protection principles, and establishing clear policies for data handling and retention. It is not just about limiting the initial collection of data but also about ensuring that data is not retained longer than necessary or used for purposes incompatible with the original collection. The goal is to create a more efficient and privacy-conscious data ecosystem.