Top 8 Data Subject Rights You Must Respect Under Global Privacy Laws
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In the digital era, personal data has become one of the most valuable assets for businesses—and one of the most sensitive for individuals. Whether it’s customer information, browsing habits, or financial records, global privacy regulations now demand accountability, transparency, and respect for user rights.
These user privileges are known as Data Subject Rights (DSRs)—the fundamental rights individuals have over their personal data.
From the EU’s GDPR to Nigeria’s NDPA (2023), California’s CCPA, and other privacy frameworks, organizations are required by law to uphold these rights or face heavy penalties and loss of trust.
This article breaks down the Top 8 Data Subject Rights every organization must respect—what they mean, real-world examples, and how businesses can comply.
1. The Right to Be Informed
Meaning:
Individuals have the right to know how, why, and by whom their personal data is collected, processed, and stored.
Example:
Before collecting data via a website form, you must display a privacy notice clearly stating what information is collected, the purpose, and whether it will be shared with third parties.
Compliance Tip:
- Publish an easy-to-read Privacy Policy.
- Include details about cookies, analytics, and third-party processors.
2. The Right of Access
Meaning:
Data subjects can request a copy of the personal data an organization holds about them.
Example:
A customer emails your company asking, “What personal information do you have about me?” You’re legally required to respond within a specific timeframe (e.g., 30 days under GDPR, 21 days under NDPA).
Compliance Tip:
- Create a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) process.
- Verify the requester’s identity before sharing data.
3. The Right to Rectification
Meaning:
Individuals can demand that inaccurate or incomplete data be corrected.
Example:
If a client’s address or contact number in your CRM is wrong, you must correct it upon request and confirm the update.
Compliance Tip:
- Allow users to update their profiles or account details easily.
- Document rectification requests and responses.
4. The Right to Erasure (Right to Be Forgotten)
Meaning:
Individuals can request the deletion of their personal data if it’s no longer needed, was unlawfully processed, or consent is withdrawn.
Example:
A former customer asks you to delete all their account details after leaving your service. You must remove all related data unless there’s a legal reason to retain it (e.g., for tax or compliance purposes).
Compliance Tip:
- Build a data deletion workflow.
- Train staff to handle erasure requests promptly.
5. The Right to Restrict Processing
Meaning:
Users can limit how their data is used without requesting deletion.
Example:
A customer disputes the accuracy of their financial record—you must temporarily restrict processing that data until the issue is resolved.
Compliance Tip:
- Flag restricted records in your system.
- Do not process or share restricted data until resolved.
6. The Right to Data Portability
Meaning:
Individuals can receive their data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format and transfer it to another service.
Example:
A user switching banks requests that their account data be transferred to another financial institution electronically.
Compliance Tip:
- Export data in standard formats (e.g., CSV, JSON).
- Use secure channels to transmit data.
7. The Right to Object
Meaning:
Individuals can object to certain types of data processing—especially for direct marketing, profiling, or legitimate interest purposes.
Example:
If a customer opts out of email marketing, your company must immediately stop sending promotional messages.
Compliance Tip:
- Provide a clear “unsubscribe” or “opt-out” option in all communications.
- Keep a suppression list to avoid accidental re-targeting.
8. Rights Related to Automated Decision-Making and Profiling
Meaning:
Individuals have the right not to be subject to decisions made solely by automated systems—such as AI models or credit scoring algorithms—without human involvement.
Example:
If a loan application is denied automatically based on an algorithm, the applicant has the right to request human review and an explanation.
Compliance Tip:
- Document AI/algorithmic decision processes.
- Offer human intervention options for automated systems.
Global Overview: How Major Privacy Laws Define Data Subject Rights
| Jurisdiction | Key Regulation | Core Data Subject Rights | Response Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | GDPR (2018) | All 8 rights plus data breach notification | 30 days |
| Nigeria | NDPA (2023) | Aligns closely with GDPR, focused on consent and erasure | 21 days |
| California (USA) | CCPA/CPRA | Access, deletion, portability, opt-out of sale | 45 days |
| Canada | PIPEDA | Access, correction, and consent management | 30 days |
| India | DPDP Act (2023) | Access, correction, erasure, grievance redressal | Reasonable period |
Real-Life Compliance Example
In 2021, WhatsApp faced regulatory scrutiny under the EU GDPR for not clearly informing users about how data was shared with Facebook. The Irish Data Protection Commission fined the company €225 million for violating the Right to Be Informed.
This case highlights why businesses must be transparent and responsive to user data rights requests.
Best Practices for Businesses to Uphold Data Subject Rights
- Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to oversee compliance.
- Create clear internal procedures for handling data subject requests.
- Automate responses using secure web forms or CRM integrations.
- Train staff regularly on privacy compliance and data ethics.
- Keep detailed records of all data rights requests and resolutions.
FAQs
Q1. Do data subject rights apply to all businesses?
Yes. If you collect, store, or process personal data, you’re obligated to respect these rights—regardless of your company size.
Q2. What happens if I ignore a data rights request?
You may face regulatory fines, lawsuits, or reputational harm. For example, GDPR penalties can reach €20 million or 4% of annual turnover, whichever is higher.
Q3. Can a company refuse a data deletion request?
Yes, but only if retention is required by law (e.g., tax records, anti-fraud obligations).
Q4. Are these rights the same worldwide?
Not exactly—definitions and timelines differ, but the principles of transparency, access, and control are universal.
Q5. How can small businesses stay compliant?
Use affordable privacy management tools like OneTrust, Termly, or TrustArc, and document every data request.
Conclusion
Data Subject Rights form the foundation of modern privacy laws, empowering individuals and holding organizations accountable.
From the Right to Be Informed to Data Portability and Erasure, respecting these rights isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a mark of integrity and trust in an increasingly data-driven world.
Businesses that prioritize privacy will not only stay compliant but also gain a competitive advantage in customer loyalty and brand reputation.
