A suspicious email. A leaked password. A targeted advertisement that knows too much. Across the European Union, personal data misuse is becoming more common. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides residents with specific rights, but enforcing them involves certain steps. Here’s what to do if you believe your data has been misused.
The notification arrives late at night: “We regret to inform you of a data breach.” Or perhaps you find your personal information online. In that moment, confusion often replaces clarity. However, under EU law, you have options.
Step 1: Confirm the nature of the misuse
Not every unwanted email is a GDPR violation. Determine whether:
- Your data was part of a confirmed breach
- A company processed your data without consent
- Your data was shared without legal basis
- You were denied access to your own information
The European Commission’s GDPR portal explains what qualifies as personal data and what lawful processing means under EU law: European Commission – Data Protection.
Step 2: Exercise your rights directly with the organisation
Before escalating, contact the organisation involved and invoke your rights under Articles 15–22 GDPR. These include:
- Right of access
- Right to rectification
- Right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
- Right to restrict processing
- Right to data portability
The full legal framework is available via Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR).
Request responses in writing. Companies generally must respond within one month.
Step 3: File a complaint with your national Data Protection Authority
If the response is unsatisfactory, you can lodge a complaint with your national supervisory authority. The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) provides links to all national authorities: EDPB Members – National Data Protection Authorities.
Complaints are free of charge.
How many people are affected yearly?
- In 2023, EU data protection authorities received over 130,000 complaints, according to the European Data Protection Board’s annual report.
- Since GDPR came into force in 2018, authorities have imposed billions of euros in fines across Member States.
Source: European Data Protection Board Annual Reports.
Step 4: Seek judicial remedy if necessary
Under Article 79 GDPR, individuals have the right to an effective judicial remedy, which may involve civil courts in your Member State.
In previous reporting, The European Times has examined how EU digital regulation is reshaping citizens’ rights in the platform economy.
Data protection is not abstract policy. It concerns identity, employment, creditworthiness, and personal safety. The GDPR was designed to give residents enforceable rights across borders. The system works — but only when individuals use it.
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