Minimization Techniques for Structured Data

Data minimization can be implemented as part of data collection or ongoing data management. A data collection strategy that is designed with data minimization in mind is very effective at minimizing organizational risk regarding personal information; personal information an organization does not collect need not be managed and safeguarded. However, oftentimes personal data collection is necessary and undertaken for a valid primary business purpose. Once that purpose is achieved, an organization may have a secondary interest in retaining a range of information “just in case” it is needed at a later date. Where data protection regulation does not allow for the personal information to be retained, data minimization techniques can be applied to retain the data’s value while respecting privacy.