Does Deleting It Really Delete It?.. Experts Reveal the Truth Behind Digitally Deleted Data

Although many believe that deleting files or apps means data disappears permanently, the technical reality is more complex. This is highlighted in a report by the British newspaper The Independent, which notes that most operating systems do not immediately erase data; instead, they mark the space occupied by the deleted files as available for reuse, while the files remain recoverable until they are overwritten by new data.

The report points out that deleting an app does not necessarily delete the associated account, leaving millions of inactive accounts that may contain personal data. It also sheds light on new challenges posed by artificial intelligence, as it is technically difficult to remove data used to train certain models, despite laws granting individuals the right to request the deletion of their data. In this context, researchers at the University of Bristol are developing the concept of “interpretable deletion,” a framework aimed at clarifying how deletion processes are implemented and giving users greater control over their data, while enhancing transparency and compliance with privacy protection laws.

The report emphasizes that understanding data deletion mechanisms is a crucial step toward strengthening digital security and protecting privacy in the digital age.