What does data redundancy refer to?

Data redundancy refers to the unnecessary duplication of data within a database or a system. This occurs when the same piece of data is stored in multiple places, which can lead to inefficiencies in data management. When data is redundant, it can result in increased storage costs, data inconsistency, and complications in maintaining the accuracy of information. By minimizing data redundancy, organizations can enhance data integrity, reduce storage needs, and streamline data management processes.

The other options do not accurately capture the concept of data redundancy. The quality of being original pertains to uniqueness, which is the opposite of redundancy. Efficiency of data storage relates more to how data is organized and accessed rather than duplication issues. Variability of data formats speaks to the diversity of data types rather than the extent of duplication, making it unrelated to the definition of data redundancy.