What is the term for a notice that suspends the destruction of paper or electronic records?

The term that refers to a notice suspending the destruction of paper or electronic records is "legal hold." A legal hold is typically put in place when there is a reasonable anticipation of litigation, indicating that the information may need to be preserved for legal proceedings. This action ensures that relevant data and documents are not destroyed or altered, which might impede the judicial process or violate legal obligations.

Legal holds are critical for compliance, particularly in industries that handle sensitive information, because they help maintain the integrity of records during investigations or lawsuits. By placing a legal hold on records, organizations can prevent potential data loss that could be detrimental in legal scenarios.

The other options involve different concepts: a subpoena is a legal document that orders an individual to testify or produce evidence; a consent form is a document that grants permission for something to occur, often in clinical settings; and a rule typically refers to a guideline or principle. Each of these serves specific legal functions but does not specifically relate to the preservation of records in anticipation of litigation, making "legal hold" the most accurate term in this context.