Data subject rights request support as a service

We assist businesses in responding efficiently to individuals exercising their privacy rights (access, deletion, correction, etc.) under DIFC DPL, ADGM DPR, UAE PDPL, and other regulations. Our service ensures timely, compliant responses that reduce legal risk while building customer trust.

Key Benefits:

✔ Meet strict deadlines

✔ Standardize secure processes

✔ Avoid fines and reputational damage.

Let us handle the complexity while you focus on your business.

What are data subject rights requests?

Under modern privacy laws, individuals can ask organisations what personal data they hold about them and request that it be corrected, deleted or handled differently. These are known as data subject rights requests, or DSARs when the request is for access. They arrive by email, web form, phone or social media, often without the words “data subject request” in them, and the clock usually starts the moment your organisation receives them.

The rights people can exercise

• Access: to receive a copy of their personal data and information about how it is used
• Correction: to have inaccurate or incomplete data fixed
• Erasure: to have data deleted in certain circumstances
• Restriction: to limit how data is used while a dispute is resolved
• Portability: to receive their data in a usable format and have it moved to another provider
• Objection: to object to certain processing, including direct marketing
• Automated decisions: to challenge decisions made solely by automated means and have a person review them

The GDPR, UK GDPR, DIFC DPL, ADGM DPR and UAE PDPL give individuals a broad set of rights, including access, correction, erasure, restriction, portability and objection, although the scope, exceptions and response periods differ. The Saudi PDPL gives a narrower set: the right to be informed, to access, to obtain a copy, to request correction and to request destruction of data, together with the right to withdraw consent and, under its Implementing Regulations, a limited right to restrict processing while the accuracy of data is checked. Under the GDPR, for example, the standard deadline is one month, which can be extended in complex cases. This page is general information, not legal advice.

What our request support covers

• Intake and triage: recognising requests, logging them and confirming who is asking
• Identity verification: proportionate checks so data is not released to the wrong person
• Locating the data: searching systems, mailboxes and vendors holding the individual’s data
• Review and redaction: removing other people’s data and information that is legally exempt
• Applying exemptions: deciding when a request can be limited or refused, and documenting the reasons
• Response drafting: clear, compliant replies that meet the deadline
• Deletion and correction: carrying out the change across systems and processors
• Record-keeping: a register that shows you handled each request properly

Fully managed or advisory support

We can handle requests end to end for you, or provide a process, templates and advice while your team does the work. Many clients use us for complex or sensitive requests, such as employee disputes or requests that involve large volumes of data, and manage routine ones in house. Setting up the process properly is often the biggest improvement: see our policy and procedure service.

How it works

1. Set up: we agree how requests will reach us and who can authorise decisions.
2. Receive: each request is logged and the deadline calculated under the applicable law.
3. Collect and review: we help gather the data and review it for exemptions and third-party information.
4. Respond: we prepare the reply for your approval and keep a record of the outcome.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly must we respond to a request?

It depends on the law. Under the GDPR the general limit is one month from receipt. Other regimes set their own periods, so we confirm the deadline for each request when it arrives.

Can we charge for responding?

Under the GDPR requests are generally free. Other laws have their own rules on fees, and a reasonable fee or refusal may be allowed for requests that are clearly unfounded or excessive.

Can we refuse a request?

Sometimes, for example where an exemption applies or the request is manifestly unfounded. Refusals must be justified and recorded, and the individual usually has to be told why and how to complain.

What if a request involves data held by a vendor?

As the controller you remain responsible, so the vendor must help you. That is why your data protection agreements should cover assistance with individual rights.

Can our DPO handle this?

Yes. Handling rights requests is a common part of a DPO’s role, and our DPO-as-a-Service includes advice on them. Related: our UAE and regional compliance service.