Data Protection Act 2018 (c. 12)

PART 3 U.K. Law enforcement processing

CHAPTER 3 U.K. Rights of the data subject

Overview and scope U.K.

43 Overview and scope U.K.

(1) This Chapter—

(a) imposes general duties on the controller to make information available (see [F1 sections 44 and 45A]);

(b) confers a right of access by the data subject (see [F2 sections 45 and 45A]);

(c) confers rights on the data subject with respect to the rectification of personal data and the erasure of personal data or the restriction of its processing (see sections 46 to 48);

(d) regulates automated decision-making (see sections 49 and 50);

(e) makes supplementary provision (see sections 51 to 54).

(2) This Chapter applies only in relation to the processing of personal data for a law enforcement purpose.

(3) But sections 44 to 48 do not apply in relation to the processing of relevant personal data in the course of a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings, including proceedings for the purpose of executing a criminal penalty.

(4) In subsection (3), “relevant personal data” means personal data contained in a judicial decision or in other documents relating to the investigation or proceedings which are created by or on behalf of a court or other judicial authority.

(5) In this Chapter, “the controller”, in relation to a data subject, means the controller in relation to personal data relating to the data subject.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 43(1)(a) substituted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 79(2)(a), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(a) (with reg. 3)

F2 Words in s. 43(1)(b) substituted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 79(2)(b), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(a) (with reg. 3)

Commencement Information

I1 S. 43 in force at 25.5.2018 by S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(c)

[F3 Data subject’s rights to information] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F3 S. 44 cross-heading substituted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 79(3), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(a) (with reg. 3)

44 F4 ... Controller's general duties U.K.

(1) The controller must make available to data subjects the following information (whether by making the information generally available to the public or in any other way)—

(a) the identity and the contact details of the controller;

(b) where applicable, the contact details of the data protection officer (see sections 69 to 71);

(c) the purposes for which the controller processes personal data;

(d) the existence of the rights of data subjects to request from the controller—

(i) access to personal data (see section 45),

(ii) rectification of personal data (see section 46), and

(iii) erasure of personal data or the restriction of its processing (see section 47);

(e) the existence of the right to lodge a complaint with the Commissioner and the contact details of the Commissioner.

(2) The controller must also, in specific cases for the purpose of enabling the exercise of a data subject's rights under this Part, give the data subject the following—

(a) information about the legal basis for the processing;

(b) information about the period for which the personal data will be stored or, where that is not possible, about the criteria used to determine that period;

(c) where applicable, information about the categories of recipients of the personal data (including recipients in third countries or international organisations);

(d) such further information as is necessary to enable the exercise of the data subject's rights under this Part.

(3) An example of where further information may be necessary as mentioned in subsection (2)(d) is where the personal data being processed was collected without the knowledge of the data subject.

(4) The controller may restrict, wholly or partly, the provision of information to the data subject under subsection (2) to the extent that and for so long as the restriction is, having regard to the fundamental rights and legitimate interests of the data subject, a necessary and proportionate measure to—

(a) avoid obstructing an official or legal inquiry, investigation or procedure;

(b) avoid prejudicing the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties;

(c) protect public security;

F5 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(e) protect the rights and freedoms of others.

(5) Where the provision of information to a data subject under subsection (2) is restricted [F6 under subsection (4)], wholly or partly, the controller must inform the data subject in writing without undue delay—

(a) that the provision of information has been restricted,

(b) of the reasons for the restriction,

(c) of the data subject's right to make a request to the Commissioner under section 51,

(d) of the data subject's right to lodge a complaint with the Commissioner, and

(e) of the data subject's right to apply to a court under section 167.

(6) Subsection (5)(a) and (b) do not apply to the extent that complying with them would undermine the purpose of the restriction.

(7) The controller must—

(a) record the reasons for a decision to restrict (whether wholly or partly) the provision of information to a data subject under subsection (2) [F7 in reliance on subsection (4)], and

(b) if requested to do so by the Commissioner, make the record available to the Commissioner.

Textual Amendments

F4 Word in s. 44 heading omitted (5.9.2025) by virtue of Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 79(4), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(a) (with reg. 3)

F5 S. 44(4)(d) omitted (5.9.2025) by virtue of Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 88(3)(a), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(b) (with reg. 4)

F6 Words in s. 44(5) inserted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 88(3)(b), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(b) (with reg. 4)

F7 Words in s. 44(7)(a) inserted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 88(3)(c), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(b) (with reg. 4)

Commencement Information

I2 S. 44 in force at 25.5.2018 by S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(c)

F8 ... U.K.

Textual Amendments

F8 S. 45 cross-heading omitted (5.9.2025) by virtue of Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 79(5), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(a) (with reg. 3)

45 Right of access by the data subject U.K.

(1) A data subject is entitled to obtain from the controller—

(a) confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning him or her is being processed, and

(b) where that is the case, access to the personal data and the information set out in subsection (2).

(2) That information is—

(a) the purposes of and legal basis for the processing;

(b) the categories of personal data concerned;

(c) the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data has been disclosed (including recipients or categories of recipients in third countries or international organisations);

(d) the period for which it is envisaged that the personal data will be stored or, where that is not possible, the criteria used to determine that period;

(e) the existence of the data subject's rights to request from the controller—

(i) rectification of personal data (see section 46), and

(ii) erasure of personal data or the restriction of its processing (see section 47);

(f) the existence of the data subject's right to lodge a complaint with the Commissioner and the contact details of the Commissioner;

(g) communication of the personal data undergoing processing and of any available information as to its origin.

[F9 (2A) Under subsection (1), the data subject is only entitled to such confirmation, personal data and other information as the controller is able to provide based on a reasonable and proportionate search for the personal data and other information described in that subsection.]

(3) Where a data subject makes a request under subsection (1), the information to which the data subject is entitled must be provided in writing —

(a) without undue delay, and

(b) in any event, before the end of the applicable time period (as to which see section 54).

(4) The controller may restrict, wholly or partly, the rights conferred by subsection (1) to the extent that and for so long as the restriction is, having regard to the fundamental rights and legitimate interests of the data subject, a necessary and proportionate measure to—

(a) avoid obstructing an official or legal inquiry, investigation or procedure;

(b) avoid prejudicing the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties;

(c) protect public security;

F10 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(e) protect the rights and freedoms of others.

(5) Where the rights of a data subject under subsection (1) are restricted [F11 under subsection (4)], wholly or partly, the controller must inform the data subject in writing without undue delay—

(a) that the rights of the data subject have been restricted,

(b) of the reasons for the restriction,

(c) of the data subject's right to make a request to the Commissioner under section 51,

(d) of the data subject's right to lodge a complaint with the Commissioner, and

(e) of the data subject's right to apply to a court under section 167.

(6) Subsection (5)(a) and (b) do not apply to the extent that the provision of the information would undermine the purpose of the restriction.

(7) The controller must—

(a) record the reasons for a decision to restrict (whether wholly or partly) the rights of a data subject under subsection (1) [F12 in reliance on subsection (4)], and

(b) if requested to do so by the Commissioner, make the record available to the Commissioner.

Textual Amendments

F9 S. 45(2A) inserted (retrospective to 1.1.2024) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 78(3)(5), 142(2)(b)

F10 S. 45(4)(d) omitted (5.9.2025) by virtue of Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 88(4)(a), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(b) (with reg. 4)

F11 Words in s. 45(5) inserted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 88(4)(b), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(b) (with reg. 4)

F12 Words in s. 45(7)(a) inserted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 88(4)(c), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(b) (with reg. 4)

Commencement Information

I3 S. 45 in force at 25.5.2018 by S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(c)

[F13 45A Exemption from sections 44 and 45: legal professional privilege U.K.

(1) Sections 44(2) and 45(1) do not require the controller to give the data subject—

(a) information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege or, in Scotland, confidentiality of communications could be maintained in legal proceedings, or

(b) information in respect of which a duty of confidentiality is owed by a professional legal adviser to a client of the adviser.

(2) A controller relying on the exemption in subsection (1) must inform the data subject in writing without undue delay of—

(a) the decision to rely on the exemption,

(b) the reason for the decision,

(c) the data subject’s right to make a request to the Commissioner under section 51,

(d) the data subject’s right to lodge a complaint with the Commissioner under section 165, and

(e) the data subject’s right to apply to a court under section 167.

(3) Subsection (2)(a) and (b) do not apply to the extent that complying with them would—

(a) undermine a claim described in subsection (1)(a), or

(b) conflict with a duty described in subsection (1)(b).

(4) The controller must—

(a) record the reason for a decision to rely on the exemption in subsection (1), and

(b) if requested to do so by the Commissioner, make the record available to the Commissioner.

(5) The reference in subsection (1) to sections 44(2) and 45(1) includes sections 35 to 40 so far as their provisions correspond to the rights and obligations provided for in sections 44(2) and 45(1).]

Textual Amendments

F13 S. 45A inserted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 79(6), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(a) (with reg. 3)

Data subject's rights to rectification or erasure etc U.K.

46 Right to rectification U.K.

(1) The controller must, if so requested by a data subject, rectify without undue delay inaccurate personal data relating to the data subject.

(2) Where personal data is inaccurate because it is incomplete, the controller must, if so requested by a data subject, complete it.

(3) The duty under subsection (2) may, in appropriate cases, be fulfilled by the provision of a supplementary statement.

(4) Where the controller would be required to rectify personal data under this section but the personal data must be maintained for the purposes of evidence, the controller must (instead of rectifying the personal data) restrict its processing.

Commencement Information

I4 S. 46 in force at 25.5.2018 by S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(c)

47 Right to erasure or restriction of processing U.K.

(1) The controller must erase personal data without undue delay where—

(a) the processing of the personal data would infringe section 35, 36(1) to (3), 37, 38(1), 39(1), 40, 41 or 42, or

(b) the controller has a legal obligation to erase the data.

(2) Where the controller would be required to erase personal data under subsection (1) but the personal data must be maintained for the purposes of evidence, the controller must (instead of erasing the personal data) restrict its processing.

(3) Where a data subject contests the accuracy of personal data (whether in making a request under this section or section 46 or in any other way), but it is not possible to ascertain whether it is accurate or not, the controller must restrict its processing.

(4) A data subject may request the controller to erase personal data or to restrict its processing (but the duties of the controller under this section apply whether or not such a request is made).

Commencement Information

I5 S. 47 in force at 25.5.2018 by S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(c)

48 Rights under section 46 or 47: supplementary U.K.

(1) Where a data subject requests the rectification or erasure of personal data or the restriction of its processing, the controller must inform the data subject in writing—

(a) whether the request has been granted, and

(b) if it has been refused—

(i) of the reasons for the refusal,

(ii) of the data subject's right to make a request to the Commissioner under section 51,

(iii) of the data subject's right to lodge a complaint with the Commissioner, and

(iv) of the data subject's right to apply to a court under section 167.

(2) The controller must comply with the duty under subsection (1)—

(a) without undue delay, and

(b) in any event, before the end of the applicable time period (see section 54).

(3) The controller may restrict, wholly or partly, the provision of information to the data subject under subsection (1)(b)(i) to the extent that and for so long as the restriction is, having regard to the fundamental rights and legitimate interests of the data subject, a necessary and proportionate measure to—

(a) avoid obstructing an official or legal inquiry, investigation or procedure;

(b) avoid prejudicing the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties;

(c) protect public security;

F14 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(e) protect the rights and freedoms of others.

(4) Where the rights of a data subject under subsection [F15 (1)(b)(i)] are restricted [F16 under subsection (3)], wholly or partly, the controller must inform the data subject in writing without undue delay—

(a) that the rights of the data subject have been restricted,

(b) of the reasons for the restriction,

(c) of the data subject's right to lodge a complaint with the Commissioner, and

(d) of the data subject's right to apply to a court under section 167.

(5) Subsection (4)(a) and (b) do not apply to the extent that the provision of the information would undermine the purpose of the restriction.

(6) The controller must—

(a) record the reasons for a decision to restrict (whether wholly or partly) the provision of information to a data subject under subsection (1)(b)(i) [F17 in reliance on subsection (3)], and

(b) if requested to do so by the Commissioner, make the record available to the Commissioner.

(7) Where the controller rectifies personal data, it must notify the competent authority (if any) from which the inaccurate personal data originated.

F18 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9) Where the controller rectifies, erases or restricts the processing of personal data which has been disclosed by the controller—

(a) the controller must notify the recipients, and

(b) the recipients must similarly rectify, erase or restrict the processing of the personal data (so far as they retain responsibility for it).

(10) Where processing is restricted in accordance with section 47(3), the controller must inform the data subject before lifting the restriction.

Textual Amendments

F14 S. 48(3)(d) omitted (5.9.2025) by virtue of Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 88(5)(a), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(b) (with reg. 4)

F15 Word in s. 48(4) substituted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 88(5)(b)(i), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(b) (with reg. 4)

F16 Words in s. 48(4) inserted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 88(5)(b)(ii), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(b) (with reg. 4)

F17 Words in s. 48(6)(a) inserted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 88(5)(c), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(b) (with reg. 4)

F18 S. 48(8) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/419), reg. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 38 (with reg. 5); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Commencement Information

I6 S. 48 in force at 25.5.2018 by S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(c)

Automated individual decision-making U.K.

[F19 49 Right not to be subject to automated decision-making U.K.

(1) A controller may not take a significant decision based solely on automated processing unless that decision is required or authorised by law.

(2) A decision is a “significant decision” for the purpose of this section if, in relation to a data subject, it—

(a) produces an adverse legal effect concerning the data subject, or

(b) significantly affects the data subject.]

Textual Amendments

F19 Ss. 50A-50D substituted for ss. 49, 50 (19.6.2025 for specified purposes) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 80(3), 142(1)(2)(h)

Commencement Information

I7 S. 49 in force at 25.5.2018 by S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(c)

[F19 50 Automated decision-making authorised by law: safeguards U.K.

(1) A decision is a “qualifying significant decision” for the purposes of this section if—

(a) it is a significant decision in relation to a data subject, and

(b) it is required or authorised by law.

(2) Where a controller takes a qualifying significant decision in relation to a data subject based solely on automated processing—

(a) the controller must, as soon as reasonably practicable, notify the data subject in writing that a decision has been taken based solely on automated processing, and

(b) the data subject may, before the end of the period of 1 month beginning with receipt of the notification, request the controller to—

(i) reconsider the decision, or

(ii) take a new decision that is not based solely on automated processing.

(3) If a request is made to a controller under subsection (2), the controller must, before the end of the period of 1 month beginning with receipt of the request—

(a) consider the request, including any information provided by the data subject that is relevant to it,

(b) comply with the request, and

(c) by notice in writing inform the data subject of—

(i) the steps taken to comply with the request, and

(ii) the outcome of complying with the request.

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations make such further provision as the Secretary of State considers appropriate to provide suitable measures to safeguard a data subject's rights, freedoms and legitimate interests in connection with the taking of qualifying significant decisions based solely on automated processing.

(5) Regulations under subsection (4)—

(a) may amend this section, and

(b) are subject to the affirmative resolution procedure.

(6) In this section “significant decision” has the meaning given by section 49(2).]

Textual Amendments

F19 Ss. 50A-50D substituted for ss. 49, 50 (19.6.2025 for specified purposes) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 80(3), 142(1)(2)(h)

Commencement Information

I8 S. 50 in force at Royal Assent for specified purposes, see s. 212(2)(f)

I9 S. 50 in force at 25.5.2018 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(c)

[F19 50A Automated processing and significant decisions U.K.

(1) For the purposes of sections 50B and 50C—

(a) a decision is based solely on automated processing if there is no meaningful human involvement in the taking of the decision, and

(b) a decision is a significant decision, in relation to a data subject, if—

(i) it produces an adverse legal effect for the data subject, or

(ii) it has a similarly significant adverse effect for the data subject.

(2) When considering whether there is meaningful human involvement in the taking of a decision, a person must consider, among other things, the extent to which the decision is reached by means of profiling.

Textual Amendments

F19 Ss. 50A-50D substituted for ss. 49, 50 (19.6.2025 for specified purposes) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 80(3), 142(1)(2)(h)

50B Restrictions on automated decision-making based on sensitive processing U.K.

(1) A significant decision based entirely or partly on sensitive processing may not be taken based solely on automated processing, unless one of the following conditions is met.

(2) The first condition is that the decision is based entirely on processing of personal data to which the data subject has given explicit consent.

(3) The second condition is that the decision is required or authorised by law.

Textual Amendments

F19 Ss. 50A-50D substituted for ss. 49, 50 (19.6.2025 for specified purposes) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 80(3), 142(1)(2)(h)

50C Safeguards for automated decision-making U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (3), where a significant decision taken by or on behalf of a controller in relation to a data subject is—

(a) based entirely or partly on personal data, and

(b) based solely on automated processing,

the controller must ensure that safeguards for the data subject’s rights, freedoms and legitimate interests are in place which comply with subsection (2) and any regulations under section 50D(4).

(2) The safeguards must consist of or include measures which—

(a) provide the data subject with information about decisions described in subsection (1) taken in relation to the data subject;

(b) enable the data subject to make representations about such decisions;

(c) enable the data subject to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller in relation to such decisions;

(d) enable the data subject to contest such decisions.

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply in relation to a significant decision if—

(a) exemption from those provisions is required for a reason listed in subsection (4),

(b) the controller reconsiders the decision as soon as reasonably practicable, and

(c) there is meaningful human involvement in the reconsideration of the decision.

(4) Those reasons are—

(a) to avoid obstructing an official or legal inquiry, investigation or procedure;

(b) to avoid prejudicing the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties;

(c) to protect public security;

(d) to safeguard national security;

(e) to protect the rights and freedoms of others.

(5) When considering whether there is meaningful human involvement in the reconsideration of a decision, a person must consider, among other things, the extent to which the conclusion reached on reconsideration is reached by means of profiling.

Textual Amendments

F19 Ss. 50A-50D substituted for ss. 49, 50 (19.6.2025 for specified purposes) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 80(3), 142(1)(2)(h)

50D Further provision about automated decision-making U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide that, for the purposes of sections 50A(1)(a) and 50C(3)(c), there is, or is not, to be taken to be meaningful human involvement in the taking or reconsideration of a decision in cases described in the regulations.

(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide that, for the purposes of section 50A(1)(b)(ii), a description of decision is, or is not, to be taken to have a similarly significant adverse effect for the data subject.

(3) Regulations under subsection (1) or (2) may amend section 50A.

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations make the following types of provision about the safeguards required under section 50C(1)—

(a) provision requiring the safeguards to include measures in addition to those described in section 50C(2),

(b) provision imposing requirements which supplement what section 50C(2) requires the safeguards to consist of or include (including, for example, provision about how and when things described in section 50C(2) must be done or be capable of being done), and

(c) provision about measures which are not to be taken to satisfy one or more of paragraphs (a) to (d) of section 50C(2).

(5) Regulations under this section are subject to the affirmative resolution procedure.]

Textual Amendments

F19 Ss. 50A-50D substituted for ss. 49, 50 (19.6.2025 for specified purposes) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 80(3), 142(1)(2)(h)

Supplementary U.K.

51 Exercise of rights through the Commissioner U.K.

(1) This section applies where a controller—

(a) restricts under section 44(4) the information provided to the data subject under section 44(2) (duty of the controller to give the data subject additional information),

(b) restricts under section 45(4) the data subject's rights under section 45(1) (right of access),

[F20 (ba) relies on the exemption from sections 44(2) and 45(1) in section 45A (legal professional privilege),] or

(c) refuses a request by the data subject for rectification under section 46 or for erasure or restriction of processing under section 47.

(2) The data subject may—

(a) where subsection (1)(a) or (b) applies, request the Commissioner to check that the restriction imposed by the controller was lawful;

[F21 (aa) where subsection (1)(ba) applies, request the Commissioner to check that the controller was entitled to rely on the exemption;]

(b) where subsection (1)(c) applies, request the Commissioner to check that the refusal of the data subject's request was lawful.

(3) The Commissioner must take such steps as appear to the Commissioner to be appropriate to respond to a request under subsection (2) (which may include the exercise of any of the powers conferred by sections 142 and 146).

(4) After taking those steps, the Commissioner must inform the data subject—

(a) where subsection (1)(a) or (b) applies, whether the Commissioner is satisfied that the restriction imposed by the controller was lawful;

[F22 (aa) where subsection (1)(ba) applies, whether the Commissioner is satisfied that the controller was entitled to rely on the exemption;]

(b) where subsection (1)(c) applies, whether the Commissioner is satisfied that the controller's refusal of the data subject's request was lawful.

(5) The Commissioner must also inform the data subject of the data subject's right to apply to a court under section 167.

(6) Where the Commissioner is not satisfied as mentioned in subsection (4)(a) [F23 , (aa)] or (b), the Commissioner may also inform the data subject of any further steps that the Commissioner is considering taking under Part 6 .

Textual Amendments

F20 S. 51(1)(ba) inserted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 79(7)(a), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(a) (with reg. 3)

F21 S. 51(2)(aa) inserted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 79(7)(b), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(a) (with reg. 3)

F22 S. 51(4)(aa) inserted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 79(7)(c), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(a) (with reg. 3)

F23 Word in s. 51(6) inserted (5.9.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 79(7)(d), 142(1); S.I. 2025/996, reg. 2(1)(a) (with reg. 3)

Commencement Information

I10 S. 51 in force at 25.5.2018 by S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(c)

52 Form of provision of information etc U.K.

(1) The controller must take reasonable steps to ensure that any information that is required by this Chapter to be provided to the data subject is provided in a concise, intelligible and easily accessible form, using clear and plain language.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the information may be provided in any form, including electronic form.

(3) Where information is provided in response to a request by the data subject under section 45, 46, 47 or 50, the controller must provide the information in the same form as the request where it is practicable to do so.

(4) Where the controller has reasonable doubts about the identity of an individual making a request under section 45, 46 or 47, the controller may—

(a) request the provision of additional information to enable the controller to confirm the identity, and

(b) delay dealing with the request until the identity is confirmed.

(5) Subject to section 53, any information that is required by this Chapter to be provided to the data subject must be provided free of charge.

(6) The controller must facilitate the exercise of the rights of the data subject under sections 45 to 50.

Commencement Information

I11 S. 52 in force at 25.5.2018 by S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(c)

53 Manifestly unfounded or excessive requests by the data subject U.K.

(1) Where a request from a data subject under section 45, 46, 47 or 50 is manifestly unfounded or excessive, the controller may—

(a) charge a reasonable fee for dealing with the request, or

(b) refuse to act on the request.

(2) An example of a request that may be excessive is one that merely repeats the substance of previous requests.

(3) In any proceedings where there is an issue as to whether a request under section 45, 46, 47 or 50 is manifestly unfounded or excessive, it is for the controller to show that it is.

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations specify limits on the fees that a controller may charge in accordance with subsection (1)(a).

[F24 (4A) The Secretary of State may by regulations—

(a) require controllers of a description specified in the regulations to produce and publish guidance about the fees that they charge in accordance with subsection (1)(a), and

(b) specify what the guidance must include.]

(5) Regulations under subsection (4) are subject to the negative resolution procedure.

Textual Amendments

F24 S. 53(4A) inserted (19.6.2025 for specified purposes) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 75(2)(a), 142(1)(2)(h)

Commencement Information

I12 S. 53 in force at Royal Assent for specified purposes, see s. 212(2)(f)

I13 S. 53 in force at 25.5.2018 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(c)

54 Meaning of “applicable time period” U.K.

(1) This section defines “the applicable time period” for the purposes of sections 45(3)(b) and 48(2)(b).

(2) “The applicable time period” means the period of 1 month, or such longer period as may be specified in regulations, beginning with the relevant time.

(3) “The relevant time” means the latest of the following—

(a) when the controller receives the request in question;

(b) when the controller receives the information (if any) requested in connection with a request under section 52(4);

(c) when the fee (if any) charged in connection with the request under section 53 is paid.

(4) The power to make regulations under subsection (2) is exercisable by the Secretary of State.

(5) Regulations under subsection (2) may not specify a period which is longer than 3 months.

(6) Regulations under subsection (2) are subject to the negative resolution procedure.

Commencement Information

I14 S. 54 in force at Royal Assent for specified purposes, see s. 212(2)(f)

I15 S. 54 in force at 25.5.2018 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(c)