Data minimization
Using only the data necessary for the task and avoiding unrelated or excessive detail.
Definition
Using only the data necessary for the task and avoiding unrelated or excessive detail.
Practical test
Would removing this field, record, time range, or identifier still allow the task to meet its acceptance criteria?
Example
A ticket-theme summary may need issue text and category but not customer names, payment details, or unrelated account history.
What to record
For data minimization to be operational rather than a reassuring label, record the necessary fields, excluded data, transformation, retention, and deletion decision. If those facts cannot be observed or tested, do not treat the term itself as evidence that the workflow is safe.