Howl #3: How to Respond to a DSAR in 48 Hours
Got your first Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) and panicking? You are not alone. Most startups take the full 30 days under GDPR or 45 days under CCPA to respond. But that is a mistake.
Fast DSAR response builds trust. And trust closes deals. Here is how to get it done in 48 hours.
🐺 What Is a DSAR
A Data Subject Access Request is when someone asks to see, correct, or delete the personal data you have collected about them. Under GDPR and CCPA, they have the legal right to:
Be informed
Right of access
Right to rectification
Right to erasure
Right to restrict processing
Right to data portability
Right to object
Rights in relation to automated decision-making & profiling
🐾 The 48-Hour Framework
Hour 0-2: Acknowledge Immediately
Send an auto-response right away. It buys you time and shows professionalism. Here’s an example of what that would look like:
Hi [Name],
We received your request and will respond within 48 hours. If we need to verify your identity, we will reach out.
Best,
[Your Team]
Hour 2-6: Verify Identity
Confirm they are who they say they are. Use email confirmation, login verification, or government ID if sensitive data is involved. Never skip this step. A mix-up here equals a major GDPR violation.
Hour 6-24: Locate All Data
Check every system where personal data may live:
• Production database
• CRM (Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Support tools (Zendesk, Intercom)
• Marketing tools (Mailchimp, SendGrid)
• Analytics (Google Analytics, Mixpanel)
• Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)
• Cloud storage and backups
• Third-party processors
Pro tip: Build a data map now. You will need it for every DSAR.
Hour 24-40: Compile and Format
Package data in formats that are easy to read, such as PDF, CSV, or JSON. Include:
• Profile information
• Account activity logs
• Support conversations
• Email history
• List of third-party processors
Hour 40-48: Send the Complete Response
For access requests: Deliver all data with clear explanations.
For deletion requests: Confirm deletion and note any retention you are legally required to maintain, such as tax or fraud prevention records.
🐺 Common DSAR Mistakes
• Forgetting backups (they count under GDPR)
• Overlooking third-party processors like Stripe or Google Analytics
• Skipping identity verification
• Sending incomplete responses
• Waiting 30 days when you could close it in 48 hours
⚡ Automating DSARs
If you are handling more than 10 DSARs a month, automation is your best friend.
• Enterprise tools: OneTrust, DataGrail (expensive)
• Mid-tier: Ketch, Transcend
• DIY: Scripts, Zapier workflows
• Third Wolf: Affordable DSAR automation built for startups
🐾 The Real Cost of Slow Response
• Lost enterprise deals during security reviews
• GDPR fines up to €20M or 4 percent of revenue
• Reputational damage from frustrated customers
• Hours of wasted engineering time scrambling to respond
🐺 Your Action Plan
Never had a DSAR?
Create a data map, write response templates, document your verification process, and run a test DSAR.
Getting DSARs regularly?
Track response time, aim for under 72 hours, identify bottlenecks, and automate wherever possible.
Drowning in DSARs?
That is where we come in. At Third Wolf, we build automation systems that keep you ahead of the curve while protecting customer trust.
📅 Book a free GDPR or CCPA audit here!
Risk Down. Revenue Up. ⚡
