What is data governance?

Data governance refers to the comprehensive management of data availability, usability, integrity, and security within an organization. It establishes the policies, procedures, and standards that ensure the data is accurate, consistent, and accessible to authorized users while being protected from unauthorized access or breaches. An effective data governance framework enables organizations to maintain control over their data, ensuring that it serves as a reliable resource for decision-making and compliance.

This concept encompasses various elements, including data quality management, data stewardship, and compliance with regulations. It is crucial for organizations that rely on data-driven insights to make strategic decisions, as well as for those that must adhere to industry regulations regarding data privacy and protection.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the scope of data governance. Advanced data visualization techniques focus primarily on the presentation of data rather than its management. Techniques for data warehousing and methods of data storage and retrieval are essential components of data handling but do not encompass the broader principles of governance that ensure data integrity and security across the organizational landscape.