What is the maximum time personal data can be kept according to the Data Protection Act?

The maximum time personal data can be kept is indeed determined by the principle of data minimization and purpose limitation outlined in the Data Protection Act. This principle states that personal data should only be retained for as long as it is necessary to fulfill the purposes for which the data was collected. Therefore, the correct response indicates that data should be kept only as long as needed for the intended purpose, which encourages organizations to regularly review and delete data that is no longer required.

This legal framework is designed to protect individuals' privacy and ensure that their personal information is not retained longer than necessary, reducing the risks associated with data breaches or misuse of information. It emphasizes accountability and the importance of justifying how long personal data remains in storage.