Handling data subject access requests (DSARs) can be overwhelming when information is on multiple systems and formats. You may also face tight deadlines and have to navigate unorganized data.
According to the Pew Research Center, 81% of people say they are uncomfortable with how companies use information collected by AI tools. Privacy and personal data are significant concerns for most people.
Customers may send DSAR requests to determine the kind of data you have about them. When handling them, you need to be compliant and transparent.
Why Would Someone Request a DSAR?
You might get requests because someone feels unsure about how their information moves through your systems.
Others may inquire after a security scare to find out which companies have sensitive information about them. Another reason for such requests is to ensure you're complying with privacy laws.
Many states now require clear response timelines and can fine your company for noncompliance. If you mishandle the requests, they may also harm your company's reputation quickly.
Reveal helps you respond to DSAR with confidence. Our AI-powered platform makes it easy to do the following:
- Locate data
- Process and review it
- Export responsive content
Using DSAR automation through Reveal saves time and reduces mistakes. It provides a clear process, so your team can handle requests accurately without extra stress.
What Information Can Someone Request in a DSAR?
A DSAR covers personal data in many forms. You can expect people to ask for information on the following:
- How data moves across your system
- Who can access it
- The duration the data stays in storage
Requests can include several categories of information, such as personal details stored in emails or chat apps. Some people may also request to see the metadata attached to digital files. Each of these DSARs requires careful legal review.
Privacy regulations such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) govern many requests. They also often require companies to share broad sets of information. If you use DSAR CCPA workflows, you'll be able to respond faster by working inside Reveal's connected environment.
Key Obstacles When Finding Personal Data for DSAR Requests
Locating personal data across a large organization can be stressful. Using efficient data identification tools and following document redaction best practices helps you avoid these issues.
Data Stored Across Many Systems
Your company may use multiple systems to store data. They can include:
- Cloud platforms
- Internal databases
- Mobile apps
- Shared drives
Navigating all these systems can slow down your DSAR processing. Reveal makes cross-system retrieval easier. Our tool also has flexible deployment options for cloud and air-gapped environments.
Lack of Clear Data Ownership
In many companies, no single person is responsible for personal data. Oversight often spreads across different departments. The issue can create confusion when you need to respond quickly to a DSAR. You might spend hours trying to figure out who has the files or who can approve their release.
Reveal helps you make ownership clear with features designed for teamwork. Our solution also supports personal data management, enabling your team to know where everything is stored and who is responsible for it.
Poor Metadata Structure
Metadata tells the story behind every file saved in your company's systems. It shows things such as:
- Who created it
- When it was accessed
- How it changed over time
When metadata is messy or inconsistent, it slows down your DSAR process optimization. Besides, it makes it harder to find the information a consumer needs.
Using advanced solutions can help you discover links between documents even if they have inconsistent labeling. Reveal offers smart indexing and efficient data identification to cut through disorganized metadata.
High Volumes of Unstructured Data
Some of the data you need to respond to a DSAR might be unstructured. Sorting through emails, chat messages, or digital notes can take a lot of time. It also increases the risk of mistakes.
Reveal's AI-driven tools handle unstructured content easily. Its data retrieval solutions allow you to locate files across all systems quickly.
Strict Timelines and Legal Pressure
Privacy laws require fast and accurate responses. If you don't meet the deadlines, you may face significant fines and penalties. It's often harder to produce complete information without the proper workflow and cloud-based document redaction software.
Reveal helps you apply DSAR compliance strategies with fast data processing and end-to-end workflow support. Using our tool, you can do things like:
- Collect information
- Preserve it securely
- Review data with AI-powered tools
When responding to a DSAR, the file you need to send a customer may also include other people's personally identifiable information (PII). Our system integrates with PII redaction software to help you remove sensitive information before sharing files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DSAR Include Internal Notes?
It depends on what the notes contain. If internal notes include personal data, they may be subject to a DSAR. The idea of sharing internal notes can cause you to worry about disclosing sensitive comments or strategy details.
With Reveals in-platform redaction software, you can remove sensitive parts of an internal note.
Are DSARs Common for Large Organizations?
Yes. Large organizations usually get more DSARs because they store more data. A large number of employees and complex systems increase the risk of privacy concerns.
You can handle the high volume of DSARs with Reveal's scalable tools. Your team will be able to respond accurately, even when requests come in quickly or have tight deadlines.
Can DSARs Include Archived Data?
Yes. Before responding to a DSAR, check storage systems thoroughly to ensure you don't miss any important data. Reveal helps by searching across cloud and on-premises systems. You can clearly review both active and archived data, allowing you to send a complete response.
Manage DSAR Requests With Ease
DSAR requests are becoming more common as more customers worry about the safety of their personal information.
Avoid penalties and damage to your business reputation by using the best platform to locate data. Sort through unstructured information using AI-powered tools to respond faster and more accurately.
Book a demo to simplify how you manage DSAR.
