What should organizations do with personal data when it is no longer needed according to data privacy principles?

Organizations are required to follow sound data privacy principles, which typically include the concept of data minimization and retention limitation. When personal data is no longer needed for the purpose it was collected, the most appropriate action is to delete it immediately. This aligns with the principle of accountability and ensures compliance with privacy regulations, which often mandate that personal data should not be retained longer than necessary.

This approach not only mitigates risks related to security breaches and unauthorized access but also reinforces the trust of individuals whose data is being processed. Immediate deletion helps to limit exposure and reduce the likelihood of misuse of personal information.

Keeping personal data longer than necessary, even for potential future research, does not comply with privacy principles, as it can expose organizations to legal liabilities and increased risk of data breaches. Periodic reviews and encryption are also important data management practices, but they do not replace the fundamental obligation to permanently delete data that is no longer required.