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Capability 2.3.4.1

Data Retention & Archiving

Definition

Preserve safely and sustainably with secure, compliant and accessible long-term storage of datasets, including model-training archives and data generated by research, governed by clear retention schedules and provenance metadata to retain only what’s necessary, for as short a time as necessary – supporting the 'right to delete'.

Examples

  • Data Retention Review (Department of Home Affairs 2025)
  • National Archives of Australia – General Disposal Authorities (AFDA Express 2023).

Indicators

  • Number of datasets with documented retention rationale and expiry date
  • Degree of alignment with data minimisation principles (only necessary data kept)
  • Presence of automated deletion scheduling in archival systems
  • Evidence of sovereign custody for essential long-term archives (onshore, auditable)
  • Regular review cycles to de-scope redundant or legacy data holdings

National AI Plan

PLAN COMMITMENT

Limited commitment

Includes limited reference to data preservation through public sector use cases such as AI-enabled transcription of oral history collections (Action 6), but does not enhance national capability for data retention and archiving of AI datasets with no AI-specific frameworks for long-term storage, retention or deletion that are needed to unlock Australia's AI capability. Limited commitment by government is a missed opportunity to increase domestic maturity in a globally scarce capability with high public interest value.

Stocktake

Is the Stocktake missing evidence?

Share additional information for potential future Assessments