A data governance framework is a structured set of policies, procedures, and standards designed to ensure CRM data integrity, security, and compliance. It defines roles and responsibilities for data management, establishes rules for data quality, and enforces security measures to prevent unauthorized access. Organizations implement data governance frameworks to comply with regulatory requirements such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA. For example, a CRM governance policy may specify who can edit customer records, how long data should be retained, and how data is validated before being entered into the system. A well-defined data governance framework enhances data consistency, minimizes risks, and ensures that CRM data is managed effectively across departments.