Data Subject Rights Request (DSRR): Enforcing individual privacy rights under GDPR
A Data Subject Rights Request (DSRR) occurs when an individual exercises one of their eight data subject rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Organizations that process personal data must be prepared to handle these requests efficiently while ensuring compliance with GDPR regulations.
One of the most common types of DSRRs is the Data Subject Access Request (DSAR), which allows individuals to obtain a copy of their personal data and understand how it is being used.
What rights can individuals exercise through a DSRR?
Under GDPR, individuals have eight fundamental rights that they can request to enforce through a DSRR:
- Right to be informed – Know how their data is collected and processed.
- Right of access (DSAR) – Request a copy of their personal data.
- Right to rectification – Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Right to erasure (right to be forgotten) – Request deletion of their data under certain conditions.
- Right to restrict processing – Limit how their data is used.
- Right to data portability – Transfer their data to another service provider.
- Right to object – Refuse processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.
- Rights related to automated decision-making and profiling – Demand human intervention in automated decisions.
Key GDPR requirements for DSRR processing
- Organizations must respond within one month (extendable to three months for complex cases).
- Requests must be handled free of charge, unless excessive or repetitive.
- Data must be provided in a clear, structured, and secure format.
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How organizations should process a Data Subject Rights Request
To comply with GDPR, businesses must establish a structured and secure process for handling DSRRs.
1. Verify the request and confirm the identity of the data subject
- Authenticate the requester to prevent unauthorized access.
- Use secure verification methods to confirm identity.
- Reject fraudulent or abusive requests while maintaining transparency.
2. Identify and retrieve the requested data
- Locate personal data in databases, cloud storage, and internal systems.
- Ensure third-party data processors provide relevant information.
- Filter only the data relevant to the request while protecting third-party privacy.
3. Provide a GDPR-compliant response
- Deliver requested information securely in an accessible format.
- Clearly explain data usage, retention policies, and rights.
- Keep detailed logs of all processed DSRRs for compliance tracking.
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Why DSRR compliance is essential for organizations
Properly handling DSRRs helps organizations:
- Avoid GDPR fines by responding within legal timeframes.
- Enhance transparency and build customer trust.
- Reduce operational burdens with automated request handling.
- Strengthen data security by verifying and processing requests securely.
By implementing efficient DSRR management, businesses can uphold GDPR compliance, protect privacy rights, and maintain strong data governance.
