What does an integrity constraint ensure in the context of information quality?

An integrity constraint ensures that the data stored in a system adheres to specific rules and conditions, thereby maintaining the overall quality and reliability of the information. These constraints are critical in databases as they help ensure that the data remains accurate, consistent, and valid according to predefined criteria. For example, integrity constraints can prevent the entry of invalid data, enforce relationships between tables, and uphold data formats, all contributing to the integrity and quality of the information.

By enforcing these rules, integrity constraints help to prevent anomalies and errors that could compromise the integrity of the data, which is essential for effective data management and decision-making processes. Therefore, upholding the quality of information through integrity constraints is fundamental in ensuring that the data remains trustworthy and usable over time.