Glossary > Privacy > Data Protection > General

Data Subject

A data subject is an individual whose personal data is being collected, processed, or stored by an organization.

Example #1

John, a customer who provided his email address to an online retailer for order processing.

Example #2

Mary, an employee whose payroll information is stored by her company for salary payments.

Misuse

Misuse of data subjects' information can lead to identity theft, where sensitive personal data is stolen and used fraudulently. For example, if a hacker gains access to a database containing customers' credit card numbers, they can make unauthorized transactions, causing financial harm to the individuals. It is crucial to protect data subjects from such misuse by implementing strong data security measures and complying with privacy regulations.

Benefits

Empowering data subjects with control over their personal information can enhance trust in organizations. When individuals have the ability to manage their data, such as updating preferences or deleting information they no longer wish to share, it fosters transparency and demonstrates respect for privacy rights. For instance, allowing customers to easily opt-out of marketing communications can lead to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Conclusion

Data subjects play a pivotal role in the realm of data protection and privacy. Safeguarding their personal information is vital to prevent misuse and maintain consumer trust in businesses. By recognizing and respecting the rights of data subjects, organizations can build positive relationships with individuals and uphold principles of transparency and fairness.