Minimal Data Collection

Minimal data collection, in the context of privacy and data protection, refers to the practice of only gathering the absolute necessary amount of personal information required for a specific purpose, thus minimizing the data collected to protect individuals' privacy and reduce the risk of data breaches or misuse.

Example #1

When creating an online account, a company only asks for a username, email address, and password, without requesting irrelevant personal details like date of birth or phone number.

Misuse

Misuse of data collection occurs when companies gather excessive personal information beyond what is necessary for their services, leading to privacy violations, increased risk of data breaches, and potential exploitation of individuals' personal data. For example, a social media platform collecting users' location data without their explicit consent or legitimate need can result in targeted advertising or, in the worst-case scenario, stalking or unauthorized surveillance.

Benefits

The benefits of minimal data collection include enhanced privacy protection for individuals, reduced exposure to cybersecurity risks, and increased consumer trust. For instance, a healthcare provider only storing essential medical information about patients for treatment purposes can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and safeguard patients' confidentiality.

Conclusion

Practicing minimal data collection not only aligns with CAP's mission of promoting consumer rights and privacy but also fosters a fair and transparent marketplace where individuals can trust that their personal information is handled responsibly and ethically.

Related Terms

Privacy By DesignData MinimizationData Protection