Dark Data
In the era of big data, organizations generate and collect vast amounts of information daily. However, not all of this data is actively used or even accessed. This phenomenon, known as dark data, refers to the data that is collected, processed, and stored but never utilized for any meaningful purpose. Dark data can include everything from outdated records and redundant information to unstructured data that lacks immediate relevance.
Definition of Dark Data
Gartner defines dark data as the information assets that organizations collect, process, and store during regular business activities but generally fail to use for other purposes (for example, analytics, business relationships, and direct monetizing). [11]
While understanding what dark data is provides a foundation, it is equally important to address the challenges it presents. Effectively managing dark data can mitigate its environmental and operational impacts. The following section outlines strategies for managing...