Right of rectification under GDPR: Ensuring accurate and complete personal data
The right of rectification is a key data subject right under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It allows individuals to request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete personal data held by a data controller.
Organizations must ensure that personal data is accurate, up to date, and complete to comply with GDPR’s data accuracy principle.
What does the right of rectification include?
When a data subject submits a rectification request, the controller must:
- Correct inaccurate personal data without undue delay.
- Complete missing data if the provided information is insufficient.
- Inform third parties with whom the data was shared, unless this is impossible or requires disproportionate effort.
- Notify the data subject once the rectification is completed.
If the controller rejects a rectification request, they must provide a clear explanation and inform the individual of their right to file a complaint with a Data Protection Authority (DPA).
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How to handle a right of rectification request under GDPR
Verify the request and assess its validity
- Confirm the identity of the requester before making changes.
- Evaluate whether the requested correction is justified and necessary.
Update the data and notify relevant parties
- Make corrections as soon as possible within one month.
- Extend the deadline by two months for complex cases, notifying the requester.
- Inform third parties if the corrected data was previously shared with them.
Maintain compliance and security
- Keep a record of all rectification requests and actions taken.
- Ensure that corrected data remains secure and properly stored.
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Why the right of rectification is essential for data protection
Allowing data subjects to correct inaccurate information helps organizations:
- Ensure GDPR compliance by maintaining data accuracy.
- Improve data quality for better decision-making and analytics.
- Strengthen customer trust by respecting privacy rights.
- Reduce legal risks by preventing disputes over incorrect data.
By effectively managing rectification requests, businesses can enhance compliance, protect individual rights, and maintain accurate personal records.
