Effective data management is critical for both operational success and regulatory compliance, and in this episode, we explore how organizations maintain control over what they collect, where it’s stored, and how long it’s retained. We begin with the concept of data ownership—assigning clear accountability for specific datasets to ensure someone is responsible for access controls, accuracy, and compliance with privacy policies. We then examine how inventories support transparency and help enforce controls, particularly in identifying sensitive data like health records or financial transactions. Retention strategies are also addressed, emphasizing the need for clear schedules that meet legal obligations without overexposing the organization to unnecessary data risk. Finally, we unpack the “right to be forgotten,” a principle in many privacy laws that allows individuals to request deletion of their personal data—and what it takes to fulfill such requests across systems and backups. Compliance starts with knowing your data—and managing it responsibly.