Section 10: Data Lifecycle

10.1 Lifecycle Stages

1. Creation: Data enters the system via Admin input or Form submission.
2. Active: Data is encrypted and stored in PostgreSQL.
3. Modification: Updates are tracked in Audit Logs.
4. Soft Delete: Data is marked deleted_at but remains recoverable for 14 days.
5. Hard Delete: Data is permanently wiped from the database.

10.2 Retention Policy

• Active accounts: Indefinite retention.
• Cancelled accounts: Data preserved for 30 days, then soft-deleted.
• Legal Hold: Data retained until the hold is lifted.

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