Old records
Record retention and AI licensing: two different clocks
Two timelines run side by side: your legal duty to retain records, and the buyer's rules on how long it holds the licensed copy. One does not cancel the other.
01
How long you keep records
How long you must keep something varies by record, sector and location, so check with your accountant or lawyer. What you license is a copy, and your originals stay in your systems on your normal schedule.
02
How long the buyer keeps your copy
Buyers say raw files go quickly, anywhere from straight after processing to roughly 30 to 60 days. The scrubbed copy, which is what models learn from, stays longer, and once used in training it may be practically impossible to remove.
- When do you delete the raw export?
- How long does the scrubbed copy stay with you?
- What becomes of each copy after the license expires?
- Will you confirm deletion in writing?
03
Where the clocks meet
Records are often shredded the moment their retention period runs out, which is also your final opportunity to license them. If you are closing the business the timing matters more. See before you shred.
FAQ
Questions, answered
For how long does the buyer hold my records?
Raw files are typically wiped within roughly 30 to 60 days, buyers say. The license may let them keep the scrubbed copy for longer.
Does licensing a copy change my retention duties?
Your originals stay with you. Ask your advisor whether any rule applies to sharing copies.
Can I license records past their retention period?
Possibly, if you still hold them lawfully. Check with your lawyer first.
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Keep reading
Sources
Every number on this page links back to one of these.
- 1micro1, Data License Master Termsmicro1.ai
- 2Polyshares, data handlingpolyshares.com
- 3Grepped, security pagegrepped.ai
- 4Frankfurt Kurnit, selling company data for AI training: what to knowtechnologylaw.fkks.com
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