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Vol. I · No. 251
Mon · 8 Jun
A Daily Lexicon of Trustworthy Data
The Lexicon

342·09

purpose creep

/ˈpɜːrpəs kriːp/ - n.

1 [colloq.] The reason the privacy notice had to be written broad enough to survive the next idea.Keep. Punchy.This is the problem.

Working definition

2. The gradual reuse of data for ends beyond the purpose for which it was originally collected and consented.

Evidence
See also
  • keep everything for aiData minimization's opposite, sponsored at the executive level, filed under strategy rather than under risk.
  • lawful basisThe ground selected after processing begins, by choosing whichever one the activity already happens to fit.
  • purpose limitationThe requirement that the stated purpose be broad enough to cover any future purpose nobody has thought of yet.