OneTrust Certified Privacy Professional Practice Exam

How should organizations address requests for data access from individuals?

1. They should deny all requests

2. They should address them in a timely manner

3. Only if the individual is a customer

4. They can take up to three months to respond

The correct answer is: They should address them in a timely manner

Organizations should address requests for data access from individuals in a timely manner because timely responses are a fundamental requirement of many data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. These regulations often stipulate that individuals have the right to access their personal data, and organizations are obligated to comply with these requests within a set timeframe, typically within one month. Responding promptly not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also strengthens the trust relationship between the organization and the individual, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and customer rights. While some requests may require verification of identity or further clarification, maintaining a focus on timely responses showcases the organization's dedication to ethical data handling practices. The other choices do not align with best practices or legal requirements. Denying all requests outright goes against the principle of individual rights established in many data protection laws. Limiting responses solely to customers excludes other individuals who might have a legitimate request. Prolonging the response time to up to three months without a valid justification can also lead to non-compliance with legal standards and could result in penalties or damage to the organization's reputation.