In the evolving landscape of digital transformations, the distinction between data governance and information governance has become increasingly significant. The JD Supra article highlights the importance of understanding the vital differences between the two terms that often seem interchangeable, but are not.
Data governance and information governance share overlapping principles, but each has a unique history and development trajectory. It is therefore crucial for legal professionals to appreciate how these two processes complement each other and discern their unique scopes.
On the one hand, data governance involves managing the availability, usability, integrity, and security of data used in an enterprise. It ensures that data is consistent and trustworthy and is not misused, making it a significant concern for corporate compliance officers.
On the other hand, information governance has a broader scope and encompasses not only data but also the processes, policies, and controls relating to how this information is used, stored, and transferred. It encompasses a broader range of compliance and legal issues, including privacy concerns, intellectual property rights, and regulatory compliance.
This highlights the essential aspect that legal professionals must keep in mind: while data governance is a subset of information governance, the two are distinct streams that need individual attention for a comprehensive governance strategy. Both have their individual, yet interlinked roles to play in managing enterprise-level data and information. And in an era where data breaches become common, understanding and implementing robust governance of both data and information are crucial to secure privileged information and compliance with changing regulations.
Therefore, for an effective corporate legal strategy in this digital era, a systematic understanding and application of both data and information governance is imperative.