Individual Access

The right of individuals to obtain their personal data held by an organization, review how it's being used, and verify its accuracy. Individual access is a cornerstone privacy right recognized globally—GDPR Article 15 right of access, CCPA right to know, PIPEDA individual access principle. Organizations must provide mechanisms for individuals to request access, verify requester identity, search for and compile personal data, provide information about processing activities, deliver data in accessible format, and respond within required timeframes. Access rights typically include not just the data itself but also information about purposes, recipients, retention periods, sources, and rights. Organizations should implement efficient access request processes, use technology to facilitate comprehensive searches, train staff on access procedures, maintain request logs, and balance access rights with protecting others' information and proprietary interests. Individual access enables people to understand and control their data, making it fundamental to privacy protection.