Proponents of Schufa’s current data management strategies argue that the retention of historical information is a necessary component of maintaining a stable and reliable credit market in Germany. By utilizing historical datasets, the company can rigorously test and calibrate its scoring algorithms, ensuring that the credit assessments provided to banks and other lenders remain accurate and predictive. In an economy where credit decisions significantly impact both individuals and businesses, the ability to verify the performance of scoring models against past financial behavior is viewed as a technical requirement for high-quality risk assessment.
From this perspective, the secondary database is not a 'shadow' collection but a controlled archive used for essential quality assurance. The company emphasizes that this data is not used to influence the current credit scores of individuals in a way that would unfairly penalize them. Instead, it serves as a benchmark to demonstrate the reliability of the new, transparent scoring system introduced earlier this year. Supporters note that Schufa operates under the supervision of the Hessian Commissioner for Data Protection and maintains ongoing communication with regulatory authorities to ensure its processes align with legal requirements.
Furthermore, the availability of comprehensive credit data helps prevent consumer over-indebtedness by allowing lenders to make informed decisions based on a complete picture of a borrower's financial history. If credit bureaus were forced to delete all data immediately upon the settlement of a debt, the resulting lack of information could lead to more conservative lending practices, higher interest rates, and reduced access to credit for many consumers. By maintaining these records for testing and verification, Schufa argues it is ultimately protecting the integrity of the financial system and ensuring that credit remains accessible to those who have demonstrated financial responsibility.