[Blog 4 of 5-part blog series: “Fixing Privacy UX: The 4 Pillars Every Business Must Get Right”]
Imagine asking a company what personal data they have on you — and hearing nothing back for weeks.
Or worse: having no way to ask at all.
That’s where DSARs — Data Subject Access Requests — come in. They empower users to take control of their data. But today, most platforms make this process slow, confusing, or invisible.
Where DSAR UX Goes Wrong
1. DSARs Are Hidden or Non-Existent
- No “Manage My Data” link on the website or in the footer
- Forms buried under layers of Help Center articles
2. The Process Is Frustrating
- Requires printing, scanning, or emailing documents
- No confirmation or follow-up once the request is submitted
3. No Transparency or Timeline
- Users don’t know what’s happening with their request
- Vague responses, or worse — no response at all
What Good DSAR UX Looks Like
The goal is simple: make data rights feel accessible, not adversarial.
A user-friendly DSAR experience should:
- Be easy to find (footer, account settings, or help page)
- Be digital and streamlined (no PDF forms or email-only workflows)
- Offer status tracking (like package tracking: “Request Received → In Review → Completed”)
- Send clear confirmation and timelines
UX Best Practices
- Add a “Manage My Data” or “Privacy Center” link on your site.
- Use simple, mobile-friendly forms — name, email, request type (access/delete/correct).
- Allow identity verification through secure methods, not burdensome steps.
- Automate responses when possible (e.g., “We’ve received your request. Expect a response within 10 days.”).
Real-World Example
Bad UX:
User is told to send a DSAR via email with multiple documents, then receives no update.
Good UX:
User clicks “Privacy Settings,” chooses “Access My Data,” fills a short form, and gets an email confirmation with progress updates.
Why It Matters
Legal – GDPR and CCPA require companies to honor data access and deletion rights.
User Trust – Making this process smooth shows you’re on the user’s side.
Efficiency – Streamlined DSARs reduce support load and legal risk.
Bottom Line
DSARs shouldn’t feel like a fight. When done right, they show that your brand respects user rights — not just because the law says so, but because it’s the right thing to do.