What is the purpose of a Subject Access Request (SAR)?

The purpose of a Subject Access Request (SAR) is to enable individuals to obtain a copy of their personal data held by an organization and any supplementary information related to that data. This request is grounded in data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which grants individuals the right to access their personal information and understand how it is being processed. By submitting a SAR, an individual can confirm whether their personal data is being processed, access that data, and receive details about how and why their data is being used. This empowers individuals to have greater control over their personal information, ensuring transparency and accountability from organizations handling their data.

Other options provided do not capture the full scope of SAR. While requesting financial data or submitting a complaint might be related to information handling, they do not specifically pertain to an individual’s rights to access their personal data. Similarly, appealing a decision made by a data controller is a different process and does not align with the primary function of a Subject Access Request.