What is the focus of data retention policies within DAMA-DMBOK?

The correct focus of data retention policies within the DAMA-DMBOK is centered on how long data should be kept and its disposal. Data retention policies are essential for managing the lifecycle of data, which involves determining the appropriate duration for which data should be retained based on its value, relevance, and legal or regulatory requirements. This includes not only keeping data for necessary periods but also implementing correct disposal procedures for data that is no longer needed, ensuring that it is securely removed and does not pose potential risks to the organization.

While data archiving methods, data storage technologies, and regulatory compliance certainly play important roles in the overall data management framework, they are not the primary focus of data retention policies. Archiving methods deal with the techniques and processes used to store inactive data, while storage technologies concern the hardware and systems used for data storage. Regulatory compliance is related to adhering to laws and guidelines governing data but does not specifically define how long data should be kept or the protocols for disposal. Therefore, the emphasis of data retention policies is distinctly on the retention duration and the proper handling of data once it is no longer needed.