Having your data removed

Does a company not, or no longer, have a good reason for processing your data? Then it is important that this company removes (erases) your data. This is because you have a right to be forgotten. And therefore, that the company ‘forgets’ you.

Does a company not remove your data of its own accord? Then you can ask the company to remove your personal data.

App or website

Are you under 16 years of age and have your personal data been collected online? For example, through an app or a website? Then the company will always have to remove your data if you want this.

Sometimes not all data

Note: sometimes you cannot have all your data removed. For example, because a company or an organisation is required by law to retain your data for some time.

How do you ask this?

When you are under 16 years of age, you cannot ask for removal of your data yourself. One of your parents (or carers) has to do this on your behalf. Ask your parent to contact the company.

Your parent can best do this in writing, so by sending an email or a letter. Your parent can use the erasure of personal data model letter for this purpose.

What does the company have to do?

The company has to reply within 1 month. Does the company decide to erase your data? Then the company will have to do this as soon as possible. The company is not allowed to ask for a fee for erasing your data.

Does the company share your data with other companies? Then the company will have to tell the other companies that they also have to erase your data.

What if the company does not respond or refuses?

Does the company not respond? Or not in time? Or does the company refuse your request? First check if the company has a Data Protection Officer (DPO) or privacy officer. The contact details of this person should be in the privacy statement on the company website.

Do you not receive a response from the DPO or privacy officer either? Or are you not satisfied with the response? Then you can submit a complaint to the AP. Or initiate application proceedings with the court.

More information

Do your parent(s) or you want to know more about the right to have your data removed? Take a look at: Right to erasure of data.