Data minimization means that you collect, process and store only as much personal data as you need for a specific purpose. The principle is inherent in data protection and privacy regulations such as GDPR and CCPA.
What Is Data Minimization and Why Is It Important?
Lowered Risk of Privacy Breaches : It prevents organizations from collecting and storing excessive amounts of personal data, reducing the risk of privacy breaches.
Fewer Data Breaches: With less data on hand we have less attack surface, which means that there will be less risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks.
Increased Compliance: Since data minimization is a way to ensure data protection standards, organizations can benefit from tighter compliance with their data protection laws.
Cost Saving: Reducing Volumes of Data to be Processed and to Store.
Principles for Data Minimization
Principle of Purpose Limitation: Personal Data collected and processed should be only for the purposes that are specifically, explicitly and legitimately defined.
Data Minimization: Only process the minimum necessary personal data which is needed to fulfil the identified purpose.
Storage Limitation: Personal Data must be retained only for as long as is necessary to fulfil the purpose ascribed by the organisation.
Security measures: Take appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk
Data Minimization: Its Real World Application
Conduct Data Audits: Periodically audit existing data to determine if there is any data that can be deleted or anonymized.
Data Deletion Policies: Define clear data deletion policies to delete it when it is no longer necessary.
Privacy at the Outside: Implement data minimization principles when designing and creating new technologies and practices.
Data Minimization Impact Assessments — Assess for opportunities to minimize data collection and processing.
User Agreement: Collect user consent for the usage and processing of personal data in a clear and informed manner.
Conclusion
Data minimization is another foundational principle for enhancing privacy protection and relevant provisions under data protection legislation. Data minimization can help organizations reduce their risk of data breaches, improve their reputation, and gain the trust of their customers.
