What is Data Minimization?
Data minimization is a privacy principle that requires organizations to limit the collection, processing, and retention of personal data to what is directly relevant and necessary for a specified purpose. It's a fundamental requirement under GDPR and other privacy regulations.
Core Principles
Collection Limitation Only collect what you need. No "just in case" data.
Purpose Limitation Use data only for stated purposes. No secondary uses without consent.
Storage Limitation Keep data only as long as needed. Define retention periods.
Implementation
Data Collection
- Review necessity of each field
- Eliminate optional fields
- Question default collections
Data Processing
- Access only required data
- Limit data sharing
- Anonymize where possible
Data Retention
- Define retention policies
- Automate deletion
- Regular data reviews
Regulatory Requirements
GDPR Article 5(1)(c) "Adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary"
CCPA Purpose limitation requirements.
HIPAA Minimum necessary standard.
Benefits
Security
- Less data to protect
- Reduced breach impact
- Smaller attack surface
Compliance
- Regulatory alignment
- Reduced audit scope
- Lower liability
Efficiency
- Lower storage costs
- Faster processing
- Simpler systems
Best Practices
- Conduct data inventories
- Challenge data requests
- Implement retention schedules
- Regular data purging
- Privacy by design