Data subject rights: Overview, definition, and example
What are data subject rights?
Data subject rights refer to the legal rights that individuals (also known as "data subjects") have over their personal data under data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. These rights give individuals control over how their personal data is collected, used, stored, and shared by businesses or organizations. Data subject rights are designed to protect individuals' privacy and ensure that businesses handle personal data responsibly and transparently.
Some common data subject rights include the right to access personal data, the right to correct inaccurate data, the right to request the deletion of data, and the right to object to the processing of personal data for certain purposes.
Why are data subject rights important?
Data subject rights are important because they ensure that individuals' personal information is handled fairly and transparently. They give individuals more control over their data and allow them to take action if their rights are violated. For businesses, respecting data subject rights is crucial for maintaining compliance with data protection laws, avoiding legal penalties, and building trust with customers by ensuring their privacy is protected.
For SMBs, understanding and respecting data subject rights is key to staying compliant with data protection regulations and protecting your business from potential legal issues related to data privacy.
Understanding data subject rights through an example
Imagine your business collects customer data to process orders and improve marketing efforts. A customer who has provided their personal information might want to exercise their data subject rights. They could ask to see the information you hold about them (right to access), request that you delete their data if they no longer want to receive marketing emails (right to erasure), or correct any incorrect contact details you have (right to rectification).
In another example, a customer could object to their data being used for marketing purposes and request that you stop processing their data for that reason (right to object).
An example of data subject rights in action
Here’s how data subject rights might be referenced in a privacy policy or customer communication:
“As a customer, you have the right to access your personal data, request corrections to any inaccuracies, request the deletion of your data, and object to how we process your data for marketing purposes. To exercise these rights, please contact us at [contact information].”
Conclusion
Data subject rights are crucial protections that give individuals control over their personal data and ensure that businesses process it fairly and securely. For SMBs, understanding and honoring these rights is vital to complying with data protection laws and maintaining customer trust. By respecting data subject rights, businesses can avoid legal issues and ensure they handle personal data responsibly.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.