What is a rationale for data ownership?

• A. The need to protect privacy, trade secrets, etc.
• B. The need to maximize advertising revenue
• C. The need to reduce data backups
• D. The need to minimize hardware costs

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is why having clear data ownership matters for control and accountability. Owning data means there is a defined party responsible for deciding who can access the data, how it’s used, stored, shared, and retained. This is essential for protecting privacy and keeping sensitive information like personal data and trade secrets secure. Clear ownership supports governance, compliance with laws and contracts, and reduces the risk of misuse or data breaches by establishing duties, responsibilities, and controls over the data lifecycle.

Choices about maximizing advertising revenue or cutting backups or hardware costs aren’t about who should own the data or who is responsible for its stewardship; they’re about business strategies or operations, not the rationale for ownership itself.