Establish CeloHT Data Governance and Information Classification Framework #51

Overview

CeloHT should establish a data governance framework that defines how project and user-related information is classified, accessed, stored, processed, retained, shared, and securely disposed of.

The framework should provide clear rules for handling information throughout its lifecycle while supporting CeloHT's privacy and security requirements.

Objectives

• Establish a consistent information classification system.
• Identify sensitive and critical information.
• Define access requirements.
• Establish data retention principles.
• Improve protection of confidential information.
• Reduce unnecessary data collection and storage.
• Establish responsible data-sharing practices.

Information Classification

CeloHT should define categories appropriate to its operations, such as:

Public

Information intentionally published for public access.

Examples may include:

• Public documentation
• Open-source code
• Public announcements
• Public project statistics

Internal

Information intended primarily for project contributors and authorized participants.

Confidential

Information whose unauthorized disclosure could create operational, financial, legal, or security risks.

Restricted

Highly sensitive information requiring strict access controls.

Examples may include:

• Authentication secrets
• Private keys
• Security credentials
• Sensitive personal information
• Critical infrastructure credentials

Classification levels should be documented and applied consistently.

Data Lifecycle

The framework should define controls for:

1. Collection
2. Classification
3. Storage
4. Access
5. Processing
6. Sharing
7. Retention
8. Archival
9. Secure deletion

Information should not be retained indefinitely without a legitimate reason.

Access Control

Access should follow the principle of least privilege.

Permissions should be:

• Role-based where practical
• Regularly reviewed
• Revoked when no longer required
• Protected by appropriate authentication controls

Sensitive information should receive stronger controls than public information.

Data Sharing

Before sharing sensitive information externally, CeloHT should consider:

• Purpose
• Authorization
• Recipient
• Security controls
• Legal requirements
• Privacy implications
• Data minimization

Deliverables

Create or maintain:

• Data governance policy
• Information classification standard
• Data lifecycle guidelines
• Access control requirements
• Data retention standards
• Secure deletion procedures
• Data-sharing guidelines
• Data inventory where appropriate

Success Criteria

This issue is complete when CeloHT has a documented framework that clearly explains how information should be classified and protected throughout its lifecycle.

The framework should remain aligned with DATA_PRIVACY.md, AUTHORIZATION_MODEL.md, SECURITY.md, and applicable legal requirements.