In the context of data retention, what should organizations do according to best practices?

The best practice for data retention emphasizes the principle of keeping data only as long as necessary for its intended purpose. This approach aligns with privacy regulations and standards that advocate for minimizing the amount of personal data held by organizations. By retaining data for only as long as it is required to fulfill its original purpose—such as providing services, complying with legal obligations, or conducting business operations—organizations reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure compliance with data protection laws.

This practice also facilitates better data management strategies, helping organizations avoid the legal and operational pitfalls associated with holding excessive or redundant data. Furthermore, it reflects a commitment to respecting individuals' privacy, as unnecessary retention of personal information can increase the potential for misuse and infringe upon individuals' rights.

In contrast, retaining data indefinitely would pose significant risks, including increased vulnerability to data breaches and challenges in complying with legal obligations regarding data protection and privacy. Transferring data to third parties for analysis without a clear purpose or consent could violate privacy rights and undermine trust. Similarly, storing all data in multiple locations simply for safety may lead to regulatory compliance issues and unnecessary complexity in data management. Thus, minimizing retention aligns with best practices in data governance and privacy management.