What best ensures standardized personal data usage across an organization?
A multinational corporation is planning a big data initiative to help with critical business decisions. Which of the following is the BEST way to ensure personal data usage is standardized across the entire organization?
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer B. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Community Insight
This question tests the role of governance artifacts like a data dictionary in standardizing personal data usage; the trap is confusing technical controls such as de-identification or encryption with standardization, or choosing discovery before governance.
For the CDPSE exam, the best way to standardize personal data usage across a big data initiative is to develop a data dictionary. Community consensus strongly supports option B, as a data dictionary provides consistent definitions, formats, and usage guidelines that align with privacy regulations.
Choosing 'De-identify all data' is a common mistake because it sounds privacy-focused, but de-identification is a data minimization technique, not a comprehensive standard for how all personal data is used across the organization.
Community Discussion (3 comments)
Comments & Corrections
No comments yet — spotted an error or have a note? Share it below.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
A data dictionary is the correct answer because it establishes a single, authoritative reference for data definitions, formats, quality rules, and permissible uses. This ensures that all business units in a multinational corporation apply the same standards to personal data usage, which is essential for consistency and regulatory compliance. Community comment [1] explicitly states that a data dictionary standardizes usage and supports clarity in handling data throughout the initiative.Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A (de-identify all data) is incorrect because de-identification is a privacy-enhancing technique that removes identifiers, but it does not standardize how data is used across the organization; furthermore, not all data can be de-identified if it must remain useful for analytics. Option C (encrypt all sensitive data) is a security control that protects confidentiality but does not address standardization of usage or data governance. Option D (perform data discovery) helps locate personal data, which is a first step, but discovery alone does not impose consistent standards for how that data is used.Community Comment Notes
The community overwhelmingly favors option B with 100% of the votes. Comment [2] (3 likes) simply answers 'B. Develop a data dictionary.' Comment [1] explains that a data dictionary aligns data management practices, ensures compliance, and provides clarity throughout the big data lifecycle. No comments support any other option.Exam Strategy
Remember that 'standardization of usage' points to a governance mechanism, not a technical control. On questions like this, eliminate options that focus on security (encryption) or data discovery, and look for the governance artifact that defines how data should be used—typically a data dictionary.
Related Analysis
Practice All CDPSE Questions
Access 229 questions with complete answers and detailed explanations.
View Full CDPSE Practice Test →