A Level Computer Science OCR Practice Exam

Which aspect of the Data Protection Act helps prevent excessive data retention?

1. Data must be secure

2. Data must be processed fairly and lawfully

3. Data must not be kept for longer than necessary

4. Data must only be stored within the EU

The correct answer is: Data must not be kept for longer than necessary

The correct answer focuses on the principle that data must not be kept for longer than necessary. This aspect of the Data Protection Act is essential as it establishes a clear limit on the duration for which personal data can be stored. By enforcing this guideline, organizations are encouraged to regularly review the data they hold and to ensure that it is deleted or anonymized when it is no longer required for the purpose for which it was collected. This principle aims to protect individuals’ privacy and prevent organizations from holding onto personal data indefinitely, which could lead to misuse or data breaches. The emphasis on not keeping data for longer than necessary directly supports the overarching goals of data protection, as it minimizes the risk of exposing individuals’ personal information and encourages responsible data management practices.