Data Minimization under MODPA – Simplified with Ardent Privacy

Sameer Ahirrao -

As the enforcement deadline for the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act of 2024 (MODPA) approaches, organizations operating in Maryland, or handling the personal data of its residents, are preparing for stricter obligations around data collection and usage. One of the cornerstones of MODPA is the principle of data minimization.

But what does data minimization mean under MODPA? More importantly, how can your organization operationalize it effectively without disrupting core business functions?

Let’s break it down, and show how Ardent Privacy can make compliance simple and scalable.

What is Data Minimization under MODPA?

MODPA mandates that businesses must limit the collection of personal data to what is adequate, relevant, and reasonably necessary in relation to the specific purposes disclosed to the consumer.

In short:

  • Don’t collect data “just in case.”
  • Don’t hold on to data longer than needed.
  • Avoid collecting more data than the purpose demands.

This requires a significant shift from traditional data practices, toward a "purpose-driven" data model where every piece of personal information collected must have a clearly defined and justified use.

Challenges Enterprises Face

Implementing data minimization is easier said than done. Key challenges include:

  • Lack of visibility into where personal data resides across systems.
  • Inconsistent data tagging and classification.
  • No automated mechanism to enforce collection or retention limits.

These gaps leave businesses vulnerable to MODPA enforcement risks and consumer complaints.

Simplifying MODPA Compliance with Ardent Privacy

Ardent Privacy’s TurtleShield platform is built to help enterprises automate and simplify MODPA compliance through our advanced Privacy, Compliance, and Data Discovery Automation capabilities.

Here’s how we help you stay ahead:


1. Discover and Classify Personal & Sensitive Data

The first step toward MODPA compliance is knowing what personal data you have, where it resides, and how it’s being used. TurtleShield uses AI-powered scanning and classification to:

  • Identify personal and sensitive data across structured and unstructured sources (files, APIs, databases, SaaS apps, and cloud platforms)
  • Categorize data based on context, sensitivity, and business use
  • Maintain an up-to-date inventory of data assets that fall within MODPA’s scope

But discovery is just the beginning. To truly meet MODPA requirements, organizations must also demonstrate why they collect data and how it’s used. TurtleShield helps you:

  • Map data elements to business purposes and legal bases
  • Link data sources to data subjects and processing activities
  • Maintain purpose-based records of processing to support audits and ensure transparency

This unified approach ensures that your organization meets MODPA’s core principles of data minimization, purpose limitation, and lawful processing, while significantly reducing manual effort and risk of non-compliance.

2. Reduce Manual Effort and Lower Compliance Costs

Privacy compliance isn’t just a legal obligation, it’s an operational burden. TurtleShield reduces this burden by:

  • Eliminating repetitive tasks with rule-based automation
  • Offering centralized dashboards to monitor compliance posture across departments

This results in cost savings, reduced reliance on legal teams, and scalable compliance operations that grow with your organization.

3. Mitigate Risk of Fines and Reputational Harm

MODPA violations can lead to enforcement actions, financial penalties, and erosion of customer trust. TurtleShield helps mitigate this risk by:

  • Providing continuous risk assessments and data flow monitoring
  • Generating audit-ready reports for regulators and internal reviews

With automated remediation, organizations can proactively manage compliance and protect their reputation.

Why Prepare Now?

MODPA will come into effect October 1, 2025, with enforcement starting April 1, 2026. That’s a narrow window to:

  • Discover and classify all personal data.
  • Review and revise your data collection practices.
  • Align data retention policies to purpose and necessity.

Organizations that delay, risk non-compliance, reputational damage, and enforcement penalties.

Make Data Minimization Work for You, Not Against You

MODPA’s data minimization mandate doesn’t have to slow down your business. With Ardent Privacy, you get a practical, tech-enabled way to:

  • Align with privacy-by-design principles.
  • Reduce data risk exposure.
  • Build consumer trust by collecting only what’s truly needed.

Stay Compliant. Stay Responsible. Stay Minimal with Ardent Privacy.