In terms of data management, retention policies primarily focus on what aspect?

Retention policies in data management are crucial for determining data lifecycles. They outline how long various types of data should be kept and when it should be deleted or archived. These policies help organizations ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, manage storage costs effectively, and maintain data quality by eliminating outdated or redundant information. The focus on the data lifecycle allows organizations to systematically assess their data needs and ensure that data is only retained as long as it provides value or is required for operational and legal purposes. This alignment with data lifecycle management is essential for both operational efficiency and risk management within the organization.