Which Data Extensions is Data Retention Policy applicable?

Data retention policies are essential for managing and maintaining data compliance within Salesforce Marketing Cloud (SFMC). These policies determine how long specific data is stored before being deleted or archived. Here, we explore the types of Data Extensions (DEs) where data retention policies are applicable.

1. Newly Created Target Data Extensions

Data retention policies are directly applicable to newly created target Data Extensions. These extensions are specifically designed to store the results of segmentation, filtering, or other data processes. By defining a retention policy, organizations can ensure that these Data Extensions do not accumulate outdated or unnecessary data, helping maintain an organized and efficient database.

2. Temporary Data Extensions

Temporary Data Extensions are another category where data retention policies play a role. These intermediary DEs are automatically generated by DESelect Segment during specific operations. They serve as temporary repositories that provide a complete view of records, facilitating further validation if needed.

Temporary Data Extensions are created in the following scenarios:

• When Preview is Run: Temporary DEs are generated during the preview process, allowing users to verify the outcome of their segmentation rules before committing changes to the target DE.
• When Using Prioritization for Deduplication: Temporary DEs are also created when utilizing the prioritization feature in deduplication processes. This ensures that duplicate records are handled correctly according to the defined priorities

Important note: DESelect Segment also automatically creates Data Extensions when using Picklist, however, Data Retention Policy setting is not applicable on this case.