---
schema_version: "1"
id: 934123c15244395ca47fd6c996e6b826779a0e0479d4a348dea00b42ddc88251
title: Data Governance Taxonomy
collection: admin
version: current
locale: en-us
portal_url: https://docs.salesforce.com/admin/current/en-us/data/264-0-0/c360_a_taxonomies_in_data_gov.md
canonical_url: https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_taxonomies_in_data_gov.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5
source_site: help.salesforce.com
content_type: documentation
content_hash: e9c4b7ba0bc51d9426c3dea18483cfed398b6d0a8a8a2454fce83f5e55426a44
description: In Data 360 data governance, a taxonomy is a hierarchical set of categories and subcategories (or tags) that classifies data based on its type, sensitivity, usage, or domain. Using taxonomies ensures consistent tagging, improves data discoverability, and enables accurate application of policies such as masking or access control. They also help align data classification with privacy and compliance requirements.
products:
  - Data 360
release: "264"
---
# Data Governance Taxonomy

In Data 360 data governance, a taxonomy is a hierarchical set of categories and subcategories (or tags) that classifies data based on its type, sensitivity, usage, or domain. Using taxonomies ensures consistent tagging, improves data discoverability, and enables accurate application of policies such as masking or access control. They also help align data classification with privacy and compliance requirements.

In data governance, taxonomies can be preconfigured or custom, depending on the level of flexibility and control required.

Here’s an example of a taxonomy for personal data.

- Personal Information (Taxonomy)
    - Contact Information (Parent Tag)
        - Email Address (Child Tag)
        - Phone Number (Child Tag)
    - Identity Information (Parent Tag)
        - Date of Birth (Child Tag)
        - National ID Number (Child Tag)
        - Passport Number (Child Tag)

- **[Preconfigured Taxonomies in Data 360](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_preconfigured_taxonomies.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    Preconfigured taxonimies are built-in, ready-to-use classification structures provided by the system. They cover common data categories such as personal information, financial data, or health records. Preconfigured taxonomies get you started quickly and follow standard best practices without the need to define categories from scratch.
- **[Create a Custom Taxonomy in Data 360](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_create_custom_taxonomy.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    Custom taxonomies allow you to define your own categories and subcategories based on your specific data, use cases, or business needs. You can create tags, group them into a hierarchy, and align them with internal policies or specialized regulatory requirements.
- **[Edit or Delete a Custom Taxonomy in Data 360](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_edit_custom_taxonomy.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    You can change the taxonomy's name and description. You can’t change the taxonomy type or its API name. You can't delete taxonomies that are used in policies. This includes default taxonomies provided by Data 360.
- **[Best Practices for Designing a Custom Taxonomy](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_best_practices_custom_taxonomy.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    A well-structured taxonomy is essential for effective tagging and policy enforcement in Data 360.