Data Retention Policy

Definition

A data retention policy is a set of guidelines that outlines how long an organization will retain certain types of data and when that data should be deleted or archived.

Why it matters

Data retention policies are crucial for ensuring that data is managed in compliance with legal regulations, such as privacy laws that may dictate specific retention periods for personal information. By defining clear retention periods, the policy helps in reducing the risk of retaining unnecessary data, which can lead to increased storage costs and potential security risks. Conversely, it ensures that essential data is not deleted prematurely, which could result in non-compliance with legal obligations or loss of vital information. A data retention policy plays a key role in managing an organization's data lifecycle, aligning with legal requirements, and supporting efficient data management practices.