What you'll do
- Recognise what a privacy concern can cover
- Describe your concern clearly
- Ask what information is held and how it is used
- Request a correction or other action where appropriate
- Know where to take an unresolved privacy concern
5 min
What counts as a privacy concern
A privacy concern might relate to how your personal information was collected, who it has been shared with, whether it is accurate, or how it is being kept. You can raise these matters and ask for them to be addressed.
This is general information, not legal advice. Privacy rules can be detailed, so the services linked below can help with unresolved concerns.
What you can ask
Depending on your concern, you might ask:
- What personal information is held about you
- How it was obtained and how it is used
- Whether it has been shared, and with whom
- For inaccurate information to be corrected
Step-by-step
- Write to the collector with your name and reference number.
- Describe your privacy concern in plain, specific terms.
- Ask any relevant questions about the information held and how it is used.
- Request the action you want, such as a correction or an explanation.
- Ask for a written response within a reasonable time.
- Keep a dated copy of your concern and any reply.
If a detail is simply wrong, see how to correct your personal details.
If it is not resolved
If your privacy concern is not resolved, there are independent bodies that handle such matters. You can find pointers in our Help Centre, and you may also seek free advice.
Good to know
- Privacy concerns can cover how your information is collected, used or shared
- Describe the concern clearly and ask any relevant questions
- Request the specific action you want, such as a correction
- Independent bodies can help with unresolved privacy concerns
FAQ
What is a privacy concern?
It is any worry about how your personal information is collected, used, shared, kept, or kept accurate. You can raise it in writing and ask for it to be addressed.
Can I ask what information is held about me?
You can ask what personal information is held and how it is used. Put the request in writing and keep a copy of any response.
Where do I go if my concern is not resolved?
Independent bodies handle privacy matters that are not resolved directly. You can also seek free advice about your options.
Still not sure? Our team is happy to talk it through.