Right to Rectification Explained: How to Correct Inaccurate Personal Data Held About You
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This article is part of our Data Subject Rights series, explaining individual rights under NDPA, GDPR, and global data protection laws.
Personal data accuracy isn’t just a bureaucratic requirement — it’s foundational to fairness, trust, and effective decision-making in a digital world. When organizations hold incorrect or incomplete information about you, the consequences can range from missing critical communications to damaging credit decisions or even impacting healthcare outcomes. The Right to Rectification empowers you to correct these errors swiftly and without unnecessary barriers. In this expert guide, we’ll walk you through what this right really means, how it works under the law, real-world examples, practical steps to exercise it, and what to do if your request is ignored. We’ll also touch on the Nigerian context under the NDPA.
What Is the Right to Rectification?
The Right to Rectification is a legal entitlement under modern data protection laws — including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) — that allows you to ask an organization to correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data they hold about you. Under the GDPR, this right is codified in Article 16, which requires that organizations correct or complete such data without undue delay. General Data Protection Regulation
Key Elements of the Right
- Inaccurate Data: Any personal data that is factually incorrect or misleading.
- Incomplete Data: Information that is missing essential details which would make it accurate and complete.
- Without Undue Delay: Corrections must occur promptly, typically within a one-month timeframe unless complexity requires a justified extension.
Under the Nigerian Data Protection Act, data controllers must also ensure their systems allow for effective rectification and must not charge you for correcting an error that was not your fault.
Why Data Accuracy Matters: Real Consequences
Incorrect personal data might seem trivial, but its impact can be profound:
| Scenario | Potential Harm |
|---|---|
| Wrong date of birth on a government database | Misidentification, denial of services |
| Incorrect medical allergy data | Risk of wrong treatment or prescription |
| Outdated address with a bank | Failure to receive important notices or credit alerts |
| Mistaken employment history | Loss of job opportunities or benefits miscalculation |
| Incorrect credit file entry | Loan denial and financial reputational damage |
These are not hypothetical. Under GDPR, the need for accurate data is so critical that it forms a core principle of lawful processing.
How the Right Works Under GDPR and NDPA
Under GDPR (EU)
Article 16 states you have the right to have inaccurate personal data corrected and incomplete data completed. This isn’t limited to small mistakes — if something could negatively affect your rights or how decisions are made about you, it must be corrected.
Important Points
- You can request corrections verbally, in writing, or through self-service tools.
- Organizations usually have one month to respond.
- Corrections must also be communicated to any third parties who received your data.
- If denied, you’re entitled to a clear explanation and the right to complain to a supervisory authority.
Under Nigeria’s NDPA
The Nigerian law similarly upholds the right to data rectification and ensures that:
- Data controllers and processors provide mechanisms for data correction.
- You are not charged for rectifying errors that aren’t your fault.
- Rectification includes aligning data with official identifiers like the National Identity Number (NIN).
Practical Examples of Rectification
Here are real-style situations where individuals have exercised their right:
Example 1 — Financial Records
A job seeker finds a default wrongly listed on their credit file, which leads to rejection from potential employers. They file a rectification request citing the error and provide evidence. The credit bureau updates the record, which restores employability prospects.
Example 2 — Healthcare Registry
A patient notices their medical record incorrectly lists them as allergic to penicillin — a life-impacting mistake. They formally request correction, the clinic verifies through medical consultation, and updates the record to prevent future treatment errors.
Example 3 — Contact Information
A bank continuously sends statements to an outdated email address. The customer submits a rectification request, and the bank updates the email across its systems within the legal timeframe.
Example 4 — Education Records
A university has an incorrect graduation date in a student’s official file. The student requests rectification, and the institution not only corrects the data but notifies all affiliated departments to ensure consistency.
How to Submit an Effective Rectification Request
Follow these steps to maximize your chances of prompt and successful action:
- Identify the Inaccurate Data: Be specific about what is wrong.
- Provide Evidence: Official documents (e.g., ID, certificates) help speed up verification.
- Use the Official Channel: Many organizations have dedicated privacy request forms.
- Mention Applicable Laws: Refer to NDPA/GDPR rights to signal seriousness.
- Ask for Confirmation of Correction: And request a list of third parties informed.
What If Your Request Is Ignored or Denied?
If an organization fails to respond or wrongly rejects your request:
First Step: Appeal Internally
Ask for a rational explanation citing applicable legal provisions and timelines.
Next: Complaint to the Data Protection Authority
Under GDPR, you can file a complaint with the national supervisory authority. Under NDPA, complaints go to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
Legal Action
You may have the right to seek compensation if inaccurate data caused demonstrable harm.
Common Myths and Misunderstandings
- “I can change any data I want.”
No — you can only correct data that is factually inaccurate or incomplete. Personal opinions or subjective assessments do not qualify for rectification. - “I must pay to change my data.”
Legitimate rectification requests are generally free unless clearly unfounded or excessive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How long does an organization have to rectify data?
Most laws require correction “without undue delay,” which in practice under GDPR is typically within one month of the request. Extensions are possible with justification.
Q2. Does this right apply worldwide?
Yes — many modern data protection laws globally, including Nigeria’s NDPA and the EU’s GDPR, embed this right.
Q3. Can subjective opinions be corrected?
Generally no. Rectification applies to factual inaccuracies. If the data contains opinions, you can request a supplementary statement noting your disagreement.
Q4. What if the organization shared my inaccurate data with partners?
Controllers are usually required to inform all recipients of the corrected information, unless this is excessively difficult.
Final Thoughts
The Right to Rectification is a powerful tool that enables individuals to take control of how they are represented in digital systems. When implemented effectively, it enhances accuracy, fairness, and trust in how organizations handle personal data.
If you discover incorrect data about yourself, exercising this right is not only justified — it’s essential. And if an organization fails to comply with its obligations, the law provides clear pathways to redress. By understanding and using this right, you protect not only your personal interests but contribute to higher standards of data integrity across the digital ecosystem.
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