Description: User data retention refers to the policies and practices that determine how long user personal data should be stored before being deleted. This practice is crucial in the context of data loss prevention, privacy, and data protection, as it establishes a balance between organizations’ need to retain information for operational purposes and the obligation to protect individuals’ privacy. Data retention involves not only the duration of storage but also how that data is managed and protected throughout its lifecycle. Organizations must comply with specific regulations that dictate retention periods, as well as ensure that data is securely deleted once it is no longer needed. This helps minimize the risk of exposure of sensitive data and maintain user trust. Additionally, a proper data retention policy can facilitate information management, optimizing resource use and improving operational efficiency. In a world where data breaches are increasingly common, user data retention becomes an essential component of any organization’s security strategy.