Data Retention Finder
Determine recommended data retention periods by data type.
Last reviewed by the Radiatus Cloud team
Going for ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA or GDPR?
Radiatus runs end-to-end compliance & GRC programs.
Find recommended retention periods
How long to keep data is a common question with real compliance stakes, and it varies by data type. This tool determines recommended data retention periods by data type, so you have a starting point for a retention schedule.
Why retention periods matter
Data protection principles say personal data should not be kept longer than necessary, so keeping everything forever is a compliance risk, while deleting too soon can breach a legal requirement to retain certain records. The right period depends on the data type, tax records, employment records and personal data each have their own considerations. Getting a recommended starting period by type turns an intimidating question into a concrete schedule to refine, which is the practical way to approach retention rather than defaulting to keeping everything.
A tool, not legal advice
This is a practical aid, not legal advice, and regulations change and vary by circumstance. Confirm your obligations with a qualified professional before relying on any assessment. It runs entirely in your browser, so nothing you enter is uploaded, which matters when the input describes your compliance posture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why not just keep data forever?
Because data protection principles require not keeping personal data longer than necessary, so indefinite retention is a compliance risk as well as a security one.
Why not delete everything quickly?
Because some records must be retained for legal or tax reasons for defined periods. Deleting too soon can breach a retention requirement.
What determines the right period?
The data type. Tax records, employment records and personal data each have their own considerations, which the tool uses to suggest a starting period.
Is the recommended period definitive?
No. It is a starting point to refine against your actual obligations, which a qualified professional should confirm.
Is my input uploaded?
No. The tool runs entirely in your browser.
Privacy & Security
Local logic.
About This Tool
This tool runs entirely in your browser. No data is sent to any server, ensuring complete privacy. Simply use the interface above to get started — no registration or login required.
Disclaimer: This tool is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Results are for educational and utility purposes.
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