What you need to know about DSARs

Allow me to set the scene: A backdrop of stunning architecture, the aroma of freshly baked pastries, and the unavoidable advertisement of your data privacy rights at the forefront of every website.

It’s true, Europe doesn’t mess around with the protection of personal information. This dedication is evident in every corner of the digital landscape and has sparked a greater awareness of data and privacy rights among its citizens, giving rise to a crucial element of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)—Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs).

What is a DSAR?

A Data Subject Access Request empowers individuals to request access to their personal data held by organizations.

For consumers, DSARs represent a significant step towards creating a more ethical and privacy-minded digital environment, enabling a deeper understanding of data collection and processing. For organizations, DSARs bring forth challenges that are not only time-consuming but also financially demanding.

The demands placed on organizations by DSARs encompass:

• Transparency: Companies must be forthcoming about how they collect, process, and store personal data.
• Timeliness: Organizations are required to provide individuals with access to their personal data within one month of receiving a Data Subject Access Request.
• Accountability: Businesses must ensure robust and compliant data protection measures, documenting and demonstrating their efforts.

These challenges, though essential, come at a cost. In fact, the average UK business is already shelling out about £1.59 million ($1.97 million USD) and an equivalent of 14 person-years annually to fulfill DSAR requests (GRC World Forums). These expenses can be attributed to several factors, including coordination, manual data retrieval, and the need for legal guidance to navigate GDPR compliance accurately.

Without efficient tools for scanning and retrieving data from their environments, it's no surprise that a single DSAR request can set organizations back anywhere from £3,000 to £6,000 ($3700-$7400 USD) (Statista).

As North America witnesses the rise of similar legislation, such as California's CCPA, Canada's Bill C-27, and Quebec's Bill 25, it's crucial for organizations to prepare for the future.

What you can do to address DSARs

Here are some tips to stay ahead of these regulations without breaking the bank:

1. Invest in robust data discovery technology: Use data management and retrieval tools to streamline DSAR responses and reduce costs.
2. Document your efforts: Maintain comprehensive records of your data protection measures and compliance activities.
3. Seek legal guidance: When in doubt, consult legal experts to ensure GDPR compliance.
4. Prepare for emerging regulations: Stay ahead of the curve by understanding and preparing for data privacy laws in your region (and stay updated with informative sources like the DataStealth blog!).

As data privacy regulations continue to evolve globally, it's essential for organizations to adapt and embrace these changes.

If you’re interested in how we’re simplifying compliance for regulations like GDPR, CCPA and Bill 25 at DataStealth, talk to an expert today.