"In the ancient world, keeping personal data was the privilege of the elites within society," writes University of West Indies Assistant Archivist Cherri-Ann Beckles. "The purpose of storing personal data in this context was mainly to preserve and provide evidence of lineage in order to maintain a position of power and prestige. Personal data of the masses was predominantly captured through storytelling (oral traditions) and other forms of human expression such as song and dance." Over the years, reasons for keeping personal data have changed for varying but significant reasons. As societies grew more complex, "there was the broadening of the definition and capture of personal data." In this post for Privacy Perspectives, Beckles sheds light on how personal data has evolved in society over the years, from once ancient eras to our modern, digital age today. 
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