What is a potential risk when data is not properly governed by retention policies?

When data is not properly governed by retention policies, one potential risk is that legal issues may arise. Proper data governance, which includes establishing clear retention policies, is essential for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Without these policies, organizations may inadvertently keep data longer than necessary, leading to complications during audits, litigation, or investigations. Additionally, retaining data beyond its required period increases the risk of unauthorized access and potential breaches, which can lead to significant legal consequences.

In contrast to this risk, complexities in data models, increased accessibility of data, or improved data quality would not typically be direct consequences of inadequate retention policies. Instead, without governance, systems may experience confusion and inefficiencies. Thus, the emphasis on legal risks highlights the critical importance of implementing robust data retention policies to avoid potential legal challenges.