Description: A data retention policy is a set of guidelines that establishes how long data should be retained and when it should be deleted. This policy is crucial for ensuring the security and privacy of information, especially in a digital environment where data can be vulnerable to unauthorized access. In the context of data management, the retention policy helps manage the vast amount of data generated by various systems, ensuring that only necessary data for the operation and improvement of services is retained. In the realm of cloud security, this policy becomes an essential component to minimize the risk of exposure of sensitive data, as it clearly defines retention and deletion timelines for information. Lastly, in application security, a well-defined data retention policy can help prevent security breaches by eliminating outdated data that could be exploited by attackers. In summary, a data retention policy is not only a compliance practice but also a proactive strategy to protect the integrity and confidentiality of information in an increasingly digital world.