What does the term "data minimization" refer to in privacy practices?

The term "data minimization" in privacy practices refers specifically to the principle of collecting only the data that is necessary for a specific purpose. This principle is rooted in the idea that organizations should limit the amount and type of personal data they gather in order to mitigate privacy risks and protect individual rights. By adhering to data minimization, organizations can reduce the potential for data breaches and misuse of personal information, ensuring that only relevant and required data is processed.

This approach aligns with various data protection regulations, such as the GDPR, which emphasizes that personal data should be adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. By following this principle, organizations demonstrate their commitment to ethical data handling and foster trust with users.