What does data minimization in GDPR require?

Data minimization is a key principle outlined in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It mandates that organizations should only collect personal data that is necessary for specific, legitimate purposes. This means that when an organization processes personal data, it needs to ensure that the data collected is limited to what is relevant and proportional in relation to the purposes for which it is being processed.

The principle of data minimization is fundamentally about reducing the amount of personal data collected to the minimum necessary to achieve the intended objective. This helps to mitigate risks to individuals’ privacy and enhances the protection of personal data. By adhering to this principle, organizations not only comply with GDPR requirements but also demonstrate accountability and respect for individuals' privacy rights.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the principle of data minimization: collecting as much data as possible contradicts the essence of minimizing data collection, storing data indefinitely goes against the need for data to be retained only for as long as necessary, and collecting data without clear purposes lacks the requirement for specifying legitimate reasons for processing the data.