Which term describes collecting and storing the minimal amount of information necessary to perform a given task?

• A. Data retention
• B. Data governance
• C. Data minimization
• D. Data encryption

Answer: (C)

Data minimization is the practice of collecting and storing only the minimum information needed to complete a task. This approach reduces privacy risks, limits exposure in case of a breach, and simplifies data management and compliance by keeping data strictly tied to its purpose. For example, a sign-up form should collect only what’s necessary to create an account and deliver the service, not extra details that aren’t needed. Data retention deals with how long data is kept, data governance covers the overall policies and responsibilities for managing data, and data encryption is about protecting data through encryption rather than limiting what is collected or stored.