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Glossary > Privacy > Data Protection > Data Minimization
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Reduced Data Gathering

Reduced data gathering, within the context of privacy and data protection, refers to the practice of only collecting the minimal amount of personal information necessary for a specific purpose. This principle emphasizes limiting the data a company or organization collects to protect individuals' privacy and minimize the potential risks associated with data processing.

Example #1

An online clothing store only asks for a customer's name, shipping address, and payment information during checkout, without requesting additional information like phone numbers or birthdates.

Example #2

A gym membership application only requires basic information such as name, email address, and emergency contact details, without asking for sensitive data like medical history or social security numbers.

Misuse

Misuse of reduced data gathering could lead to incomplete profiles of individuals or inaccurate data analysis. For example, an online platform that does not collect enough customer information may struggle to offer personalized recommendations, leading to a poor user experience and potential loss of business. It's important to protect against misuse of reduced data gathering to ensure that companies can provide quality services while respecting individuals' privacy.

Benefits

One significant benefit of reduced data gathering is enhanced privacy protection for consumers. By only collecting essential information, companies reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive personal data. For instance, a healthcare app that only requests necessary medical information when users opt-in for certain features minimizes the chances of exposing sensitive health records in case of a security incident.

Conclusion

Reduced data gathering plays a vital role in safeguarding privacy, promoting transparency, and upholding consumer trust in the marketplace. By limiting data collection to what is strictly needed, businesses can ensure that they operate ethically and responsibly, aligning with CAP's mission of empowering individuals to make informed decisions and protecting their rights.

Related Terms

Data MinimizationData Processing

Last Modified: 4/30/2024
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