AI Termcirca 2016· Added Aug 15, 2026
Data Minimization
The practice of limiting the collection and storage of personal data to only what is necessary for a specific purpose.
Data minimization is a key principle in data protection and privacy. It involves collecting and storing only the minimum amount of personal data necessary to achieve a specific purpose. This approach helps to reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized use of personal data. By limiting the amount of data collected, organizations can also reduce the complexity and cost of data management and compliance with data protection regulations.
Examples
- A company only collects email addresses from customers who opt-in to receive newsletters.
- A mobile app only accesses location data when the user is actively using the app.
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that data minimization is only relevant to large organizations.
- Believing that collecting more data is always better for business purposes.
Also known as: data reduction, privacy by design
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