Which of the following best defines 'data minimization' in the context of privacy ethics?

Data minimization is a fundamental principle in privacy ethics that emphasizes the importance of limiting the collection of personal data to what is strictly necessary for a specific purpose. This approach is rooted in the understanding that excessive data collection not only raises privacy concerns but also increases the risks associated with data breaches and misuse. By collecting only the information that is necessary for a given task or process, organizations can better protect individuals' privacy and foster trust.

The practice of data minimization is particularly relevant in various legal frameworks, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union, which mandates that data should only be collected for specified, legitimate purposes and should be relevant and limited to what is necessary for those purposes. This principle also helps in reducing the potential impact of data leaks and supports ethical standards in handling personal information.

In contrast, approaches that involve collecting excessive data, retaining it indefinitely, or sharing it freely with third parties do not align with the concept of data minimization and can lead to various ethical and legal issues regarding privacy.