What is the principle of 'purpose limitation' in data collection?

The principle of 'purpose limitation' is fundamentally about ensuring that data collection is intentional and restricted to specific, legitimate purposes. This principle emphasizes that organizations should have a clear rationale for collecting personal data, ensuring that the data is not gathered indiscriminately or used for reasons that were not disclosed to the data subjects. This fosters trust and aligns with ethical standards in data protection, promoting transparency and accountability.

By collecting data solely for defined purposes, organizations can minimize risks related to data misuse or unauthorized access, thereby aligning their practices with legal frameworks such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This principle ultimately focuses on safeguarding individuals' privacy rights and ensuring that data is handled responsibly and ethically.

The other options do not align with the principle of 'purpose limitation.' Collecting data for open-ended use or without defined limits would contradict the core tenets of responsible data management.