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All glossary terms

Privacy & data

Data Lineage

Data lineage describes where data originated, how it moved, and what transformations or uses occurred along the way. It connects sources, processing steps, and destinations so a reviewer can trace a value or dataset through a system.

Also known as data provenance.

Why it matters in practice

Lineage can help explain how an output was produced, locate downstream copies, and assess the effect of a correction or deletion. The level of detail should fit the system and question. A diagram is useful only when it reflects actual processing and is maintained as integrations evolve.

Example

An engineer traces a report field from an intake record through a transformation job to the dashboard that displays it.

Educational note

This definition is general information, not legal advice. It may omit facts that matter to a specific situation and does not establish or guarantee compliance.