As 2025 draws to a close, questions about data subject rights and online privacy are more relevant than ever. With new technologies—like AI-driven personalization, biometrics, and predictive analytics- reshaping how organizations handle data, many people are asking:
What rights do I have under GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) remains the foundation of global privacy protection, empowering individuals with strong and enforceable GDPR rights. But as 2026 approaches, the practical application of these rights continues to evolve—affecting both consumers and businesses worldwide.
In this article, we will look at the important data subject rights you need to know in 2025 and beyond. We will also discuss how Sovy can help your organization follow these rules while staying compliant and trusted.
1. The Right of Access
Under Article 15 of the GDPR, individuals have the right to know whether organisations are using their personal data. If so, they can request a copy of that data and learn how the organisation uses it.
This data subject right allows you to ask:
- What data is collected about me?
- Why are organisations processing it?
- Who has access to it?
Organizations must respond to these requests within 30 days, providing the data in a clear, accessible format.
Why it matters in 2025—and 2026:
With AI-driven personalization and data analytics becoming more sophisticated, consumers want visibility into how their information fuels decisions and products. Transparency builds trust—an essential factor for businesses moving into 2026’s more privacy-conscious market.
2. The Right to Deletion (“Right to Be Forgotten”)
Under Article 17, individuals can request that their data be erased when:
- No longer required for its original purpose,
- Consent is withdrawn, or
- The data has been unlawfully processed.
This GDPR right ensures individuals can manage their digital footprint, even after years of online activity.
Why it matters in 2025—and 2026:
In 2026, regulators around the world must strengthen the privacy rules. New standards will appear in the US, Asia, and Latin America. The “right to be forgotten” holds companies accountable. It also gives consumers more control over their online identity in a time when data lasts forever.
3. The Right to Explanation in Automated Decision-Making
Automation and AI continue to drive major decisions—from hiring and credit scoring to personalized offers. Automated systems must not judge people. This applies if the decisions made by these systems have legal or significant consequences.
This data subject right includes the ability to:
- Request meaningful information about the logic behind automated decisions,
- Obtain human review, and
- Challenge or contest outcomes.
Why it matters in 2025—and 2026:
As organizations rely more on machine learning and AI, fairness and transparency will be under greater scrutiny. In 2026, regulators will likely enforce stronger rules on AI transparency. This will make transparency a key part of responsible data governance.
4. The Right to Data Portability
The right to data portability (Article 20) lets people move their personal data between service providers. This helps users keep their freedom and consistency on digital platforms.
Why it matters in 2025—and 2026:
With digital ecosystems expanding rapidly, consumers expect to move their data easily between platforms—just like switching mobile carriers. In 2026, working together will be important for innovation. Data portability will help ensure fairness and competition in the data economy.
5. The Right to Object and Restrict Processing
These GDPR rights give individuals more say over how their data is used:
- Right to restrict processing: Temporarily stop data use while disputes or verifications are ongoing.
- Right to object: Refuse data processing for direct marketing, profiling, or other legitimate interest purposes.
Why it matters in 2025—and 2026:
With targeted advertising, behavioral analytics, and tracking technologies evolving, these rights will help consumers regain autonomy in how their data shapes their online experiences.
How Sovy Helps You Manage Data Subject Rights
Managing data subject rights efficiently is not just a legal necessity—it’s a competitive advantage. Sovy offers practical, scalable tools to help organizations handle requests, prove compliance, and maintain customer trust.
- Simplify and centralize data subject access requests (DSARs).
- Use guided templates for consistent, compliant responses.
- Manage consent collection and preferences seamlessly.
- Build customer trust with clear, user-friendly consent options.
- Access expert Data Protection Officer (DPO) guidance without internal overhead.
- Get support handling data subject rights requests and compliance reviews.
- Stay up to date with evolving global privacy regulations heading into 2026.
With Sovy, compliance is not just a checkbox—it’s a commitment to trust, transparency, and accountability.
FAQs
What rights does the GDPR grant to consumers?
You have eight main data subject rights, including access, rectification, deletion, restriction, objection, portability, and rights related to automated decision-making.
What is the timeframe within which organisations must respond to GDPR requests?
Organizations must respond within 30 days. They can extend this by two months for complex cases if they inform the person quickly.
May an individual request the complete erasure of their personal data from company records?
Yes—unless the organisation must retain that data for legal or public interest reasons. The organization must explain any exceptions clearly.
How does Sovy support organisations in ensuring compliance with GDPR data subject rights?
Sovy Data Privacy Essentials and DPO-as-a-Service simplify DSAR management, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
What happens if a business ignores a data subject request?
Individuals can report the issue to their national Data Protection Authority (DPA). Regulators can impose corrective orders or significant fines. Ignoring such requests can also damage the company reputation and erode consumer trust.
Final Thoughts
As we move from 2025 to 2026, data subject rights shape how people relate to their personal data. Understanding and respecting these GDPR rights is essential. It builds trust, credibility, and long-term customer loyalty.
With Sovy’s privacy solutions, your business can manage data subject rights with confidence. You can also improve transparency and get ready for the next generation of data protection in 2026 and beyond.
