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B Y F A H A D D I W A N & A N A M I K A K U M A R
THE LEGAL IMPACT
OF DATA DISPOSAL
Minimizing Risks Through
Data Disposition
D
ata is the backbone of modern
businesses, underpinning
transactions, decisions,
and interactions. While
organizations invest significantly in data
collection, processing, and storage, the
final stage of its lifecycle—disposal—is
often overlooked. Yet, improperly handling
obsolete data can result in legal disputes,
regulatory penalties, reputational damage,
and erosion of customer trust.
Even if your organization employs robust
cybersecurity technologies, adheres
to privacy and security policies, and
enforces other compliance processes
and procedures, failing to dispose of
unnecessary or outdated data securely
could undermine all these efforts and
expose your organization to significant
risks. The consequences of such oversights
are far-reaching and present in numerous
high-profile incidents outlined below.
This article discusses the reasons that
necessitate the secure disposition of
unnecessary data, including regulatory
requirements and the risks of non-
compliance, as well as the practical
strategies for effectively implementing data
disposition within an organization.
