Data Retention and Deletion
How long should you keep construction camera photos? GDPR requires data minimization— keeping data only as long as necessary. Here's how to balance compliance with protection.
GDPR Retention Principles
Purpose Limitation
Only keep data as long as needed for the original purpose (documentation, claims protection).
Data Minimization
Don't keep data longer than necessary. Define retention periods upfront.
Documented Policies
Have clear policies for how long data is kept and when it's deleted.
Secure Deletion
When data is deleted, ensure it's properly removed from all systems.
Typical Retention Timeline
Face Blurring Simplifies Retention
With face blurring enabled, your photos don't contain personal data—just anonymized site imagery. This significantly simplifies retention decisions since GDPR's personal data rules don't apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I keep construction camera photos?
At minimum, keep photos through the defect liability period (typically 1-2 years after project completion). For additional protection, consider the statute of limitations for construction disputes in your jurisdiction (often 5-10 years). Define your retention period upfront based on your risk tolerance and legal requirements.
Does GDPR require automatic deletion?
GDPR requires that personal data not be kept longer than necessary. If your photos contain personal data (faces not blurred), you need defined retention periods and deletion processes. With face blurring enabled, photos don't contain personal data, making retention simpler.
What happens to photos when my subscription ends?
We retain photos for a defined grace period after subscription ends, giving you time to download or renew. After that period, photos are deleted. For long-term archive needs, we can arrange extended retention or help you export for local storage.
Can I delete specific photos early?
Yes, you can delete individual photos if needed. However, be aware that deleting documentation can be problematic if disputes arise later. Generally, it's better to keep complete records through your defined retention period.
How is deletion confirmed?
When photos are deleted (manually or at end of retention), they're removed from our active storage and backups within a defined period. We can provide deletion confirmation for compliance documentation if needed.
Related Topics
Compliance-Ready Documentation
Builder.Cam helps you manage retention with configurable policies and secure deletion.
