What does the principle of 'data minimization' require?

The principle of 'data minimization' is a fundamental concept under privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It requires that organizations should only collect and process personal data that is strictly necessary for the specific purpose for which it is needed. This means identifying the minimum amount of personal data that is required to achieve the intended processing goal, thereby limiting the potential impact on individuals’ privacy.

By adhering to the data minimization principle, organizations can reduce the risks associated with collecting excessive personal data, such as data breaches or misuse of information. This principle encourages responsible data practices and helps protect individuals' privacy rights, aligning organizational activities with legal obligations and ethical standards.

The other choices relate to important aspects of data protection but do not capture the essence of the data minimization principle specifically. Keeping personal data only as long as necessary and processing data securely are related but distinct principles, while anonymization, although a relevant practice in privacy management, does not directly address the scope of data collection at the outset.