Storage limitation is one of the principles of data protection under the UK GDPR. It means that personal data should not be kept in a form that allows identification of data subjects for longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the data are processed. The UK GDPR does not specify any fixed time limits for different types of data, but rather requires data controllers to determine and justify the appropriate retention periods for their processing activities, taking into account factors such as the nature, scope, context and purposes of the processing, the risks to the rights and freedoms of data subjects, and the legal obligations and expectations of the data controller. Data controllers should also have a policy setting out standard retention periods where possible, and review the data they hold regularly to ensure that it is erased or anonymised when it is no longer needed. Data subjects have the right to request the erasure of their personal data if the data controller no longer has a lawful basis or a legitimate interest for keeping it. The UK GDPR allows for some exceptions to the storage limitation principle, such as when the personal data is processed solely forarchiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes, or statistical purposes, subject to appropriate safeguards for the rights and freedoms of data subjects. References:

UK GDPR, Article 5 (1) (e) and (2)4

UK GDPR, Article 175

UK GDPR, Article 896

ICO Guide to Data Protection, Storage Limitation7