Data Minimization

Data minimization is the process of minimizing the amount of personal data collected, processed, stored and shared by organizations. Data minimization is a key component in the GDPR.

Data minimization is not a new concept, but it has been given renewed importance by the GDPR. The GDPR mandates that data controllers must ensure that personal data are adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which they are processed.

The GDPR encourages organizations to adopt a data-minimization approach by requiring them to review their processing activities on an ongoing basis and implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure compliance with the principle of data minimization. This review should be conducted at least every 12 months or when there are any changes to the purposes for which personal data are processed.

One way to minimize your data collection is by using anonymized data instead of personally identifiable information (PII). When you collect anonymized data, such as zip codes or phone numbers instead of names or email addresses, it takes a lot longer for hackers to reverse engineer that information into PII.