What does the term 'data integrity' refer to?

The term 'data integrity' fundamentally refers to the accuracy and consistency of data across its lifecycle. This concept ensures that as data is created, stored, retrieved, and modified, it maintains its validity and reliability throughout these processes. Data integrity is crucial for decision-making, reporting, and analysis, as users rely on consistent and accurate data to inform their actions and business strategies.

In the context of data management, integrity is maintained through various methods, including validation checks, data cleaning techniques, and adherence to data management policies. Ensuring data integrity helps prevent issues like erroneous data entries, duplicative records, or data corruption caused by software glitches or human error, thereby enhancing overall data quality and trustworthiness.

While the other options discuss important aspects of data management, they do not capture the essence of what data integrity specifically entails. Security measures, the ability to manage datasets, and regulatory compliance, while related to data handling and governance, do not directly define the concept of data integrity itself.