Habeas data

/ˈheɪbiəs ˈdeɪtə/ noun

Definition

A legal right allowing individuals to access, correct, or delete personal information held about them by government agencies or private organizations. It's essentially a writ for data protection and privacy.

Etymology

Modern Latin combining 'habeas' (you should have) from habeas corpus with 'data' (information given). Coined in the late 20th century as privacy laws developed, it mirrors the ancient habeas corpus concept but applies to information rather than physical detention.

Kelly Says

Habeas data is like habeas corpus for the digital age—while habeas corpus says 'produce the body,' habeas data says 'produce the data' and let people know what information you're holding about them!

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