The principle of integrity is essential to ensure what aspect of data?

Integrity in the context of data primarily refers to the accuracy and authenticity of the information being used. This principle ensures that data remains unaltered and reliable throughout its lifecycle. When data is considered to have integrity, users can trust that it reflects true and accurate information, which is critical for decision-making, reporting, and compliance in governmental environments.

Integrity of data is crucial for preventing errors, fraud, and misuse, which could lead to misinformed decisions and loss of public trust. It serves as the foundation for accountability and transparency in government operations, enabling stakeholders to rely on the data for effective management and oversight.

While speed, accessibility, and transparency are important aspects of data management, they do not specifically address the need for data to maintain its accuracy and authenticity, which is the core emphasis of integrity. Therefore, choosing the accuracy and authenticity of information aligns directly with the principle of integrity in data management.