What do we call the systematic management of data within an organization to ensure compliance with laws and policies?

The systematic management of data within an organization to ensure compliance with laws and policies is referred to as data governance. This concept encompasses the overall management of data availability, usability, integrity, and security within an organization, all while aligning data management strategies with the organization’s goals and regulatory environments. Effective data governance ensures that data is accurate, accessible, and consistent, which is crucial for decision-making and compliance with applicable laws, such as data privacy regulations.

In contrast, information management typically focuses on how information is handled and utilized within an organization but does not specifically emphasize compliance aspects. Data protection involves methods and processes to safeguard data from unauthorized access or corruption, while information security focuses on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data through protective measures against threats. While these areas are related, data governance specifically addresses the governance aspects needed to ensure compliance with laws and policies regarding data.