Data retention refers to the policies and practices that govern how long data is stored and maintained by an organization. It involves determining the duration for which data must be kept to meet legal, regulatory, business, and operational requirements. Data retention policies outline how data should be archived, accessed, and eventually disposed of securely. Effective data retention ensures compliance with relevant laws, supports business operations, and mitigates the risks associated with data overaccumulation, such as increased storage costs and security vulnerabilities.