> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.couchdrop.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.couchdrop.io/security-and-governance/data-governance.md).

# Data Governance

## Data Localization

Couchdrop normally routes your domain to the closest available server region for performance.

If your organization requires Couchdrop traffic to be restricted to a specific geographic region, your Couchdrop URLs can be bound to a particular **Point of Presence (POP)**.

Geographic binding can be useful where you have:

* Data residency or localization requirements
* Network policies requiring traffic to remain within a particular region
* Performance requirements for users or systems in a specific location

{% hint style="info" %}
Geographic binding is configured by Couchdrop. Contact <support@couchdrop.io> if you need your account mapped to a specific region.
{% endhint %}

## Reporting Event Retention

Couchdrop retains reporting events for a defined period based on your plan.

| Plan           | Default retention |
| -------------- | ----------------- |
| **Link**       | 30 days           |
| **Essentials** | 90 days           |
| **Business**   | 6 months          |
| **Enterprise** | Customizable      |

If you need a different reporting event retention period, contact <support@couchdrop.io>.

## Related data governance controls

Couchdrop also provides controls that affect how file data is handled as it moves through the platform.

### Zero-custody transfers

When you use your own connected storage, Couchdrop transfers files directly to or from that storage rather than becoming another permanent location where those files are stored.

This allows you to retain control over the storage platform, residency, retention, and access policies applied to your file data.

{% hint style="info" %}
For example, if an SFTP user uploads a file to a Couchdrop folder connected to SharePoint, Couchdrop transfers the file into SharePoint and SharePoint remains the system storing the file.
{% endhint %}

### Transfer Shield DLP

[**Transfer Shield**](/security-and-governance/transfer-shield-dlp.md) allows you define what content can cross your organizational boundary.

Using [**Content Rule Groups**](/security-and-governance/transfer-shield-dlp/content-rule-groups.md), you can apply controls to inbound and outbound transfers before files enter or leave your custody.

Depending on the policy, Couchdrop can:

* Detect sensitive or unexpected content
* Block a transfer
* Require manual approval
* Record matched content for review

Transfer Shield policies apply only to files transferred through Couchdrop. Files added directly to connected storage, such as SharePoint or AWS S3, do not pass through Transfer Shield.