How to Send a Data Deletion Request

Think of deletion requests as tactical nukes in the battle for your personal data sovereignty. Keeping your digital footprint under control requires you to take certain steps when beginning or ending your relationship with a service provider. This means you have to learn how to send a data deletion request and when.

One key thing you need to understand is that most often companies keep some, or even all of your data, well after you closed your account with them. How can this be you may ask. The reason is simple, these provisions are detailed in the company’s Privacy Policy and / or Terms of service, that you agree to when signing up.

When to send data deletion request

- After Closing an Account: If you close an account with a service provider and want your "old" data to be deleted.

- Ending a Subscription: After unsubscribing from a service or newsletter and you want your data erased from their records.

- Following a Breach: If you discover your data was processed without your consent or in an unlawful manner.

- Upon Learning of Unnecessary Data Retention: If you find out that an organization is holding your data longer than necessary or beyond the purpose for which it was collected.

- Changing Service Providers: When switching to a different service provider and you want the old provider to delete your data.

How to send a data deletion request (8 step guide)

Ok, so now you are determined and have identified the companies that you wish to act upon. Below you can find out what are the exact steps on how to send a data deletion request.

1. Identify the Data Protection Officer (DPO) or Contact Point:

• Check the company's privacy policy or website for information on where to send data protection requests. Look for the contact details of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) or the designated contact point for data privacy matters.

2. Prepare Your Documentation:

• Gather any necessary documentation, to verify your request. Depending on the service this may include as little as your email address for an online newspaper for example or could even include a copy of your ID card, passport, or driver’s license if you want your data deleted from your bank for example.

3. Draft the Data Deletion Request:

You can free text if you choose to, since there is no universal accepted template, but we recommend you use a Data Deletion Request Template to make sure you capture all of the required information.

4. Send the Request:

Once drafted, send the letter or email to the designated contact point. Prefferably use the email address that you used to register to the service

5. Keep a Record:

Retain a copy of your request and any correspondence with the company for your records. This is important in case you need to follow up or escalate the request.

6. Wait for a Response:

Companies are required to respond to your request without undue delay and at the latest within one month of receipt. They may extend this period by two further months if the request is complex or numerous, but they must inform you of any such extension within one month.

7. Follow Up if Necessary:

If you do not receive a response within the stipulated time or if the response is unsatisfactory, follow up with the company.

8. Escalate if Needed:

If the company fails to comply with your request, you can escalate the issue to the relevant data protection authority in your country.

How to send a Data Deletion Request the Easiest Way

As you can see, this is quite a difficult process. Finding the companies that have your data takes a lot of thinking and it’s quite an impossible task. Filling in the Data Deletion Request template takes time. Going on their website and through their privacy policy to discover the right email to send it to is taxing. Doing this for 100 companies is near impossible.

That’s why we created AgainstData.com The app shows you which companies have your data, who those companies are and allows you to request Data Deletion with one simple click. Plus, it makes monitoring the conversations super easy.

If you want to use AgainstData.com to send Data Deletion Requests, simply follow these steps:

• Go to AgainstData.com

• Sign-in with your Gmail account

• See which companies have your data

• Ask for deletion with 1 click

According to European law, companies have to answer in under 30 days. AgainstData.com also has a dedicated section where you can monitor the answers and follow up if necessary.

Send Data Deletion Request Forms and clean your digital trail in the easiest and fastest way possible with AgainstData.com

FAQs

1. What are the main sections of a data deletion request template?

- Requester Information like your full name and contact information.
- Description of the Request that explains which data you want deleted.
- Legal Basis for Deletion like the applicable data protection laws (e.g., GDPR or CCPA).
- Confirmation of Identity in some cases like proof of identity that may be required to prevent unauthorized requests.

2. How do I know if my data deletion request was successful?

Organizations are generally required to confirm the receipt of your request and inform you once it has been fulfilled. Some may provide a timeline or confirmation email; it’s always a good idea to request confirmation in the template to keep track of the process.

3. How long does it take for my data deletion request to be processed?

Response times vary by jurisdiction, but GDPR, for instance, requires organizations to respond within 30 days. CCPA has similar guidelines. The best way is to ask the company in the template how long it will take for them to respond and process your request.