Data Subject Access Request Handling Trends in 2025
Let’s be honest, handling a data subject access request (DSAR) today feels nothing like it did even a couple of years ago. It’s no longer just a legal box to tick. It’s a real operational headache, with real business risks if you don’t get it right. And in 2025, it’s getting even trickier, tighter timelines, smarter requesters, stricter regulators, and way more systems to dig through to find someone’s personal data. If you’re working in legal, you’re probably seeing this firsthand. So, the way we handle a data subject access request is changing fast and here’s what you actually need to know to keep up, and avoid digging yourself into a hole.
Why is Data Subject Access Request Handling Harder Now? Short answer: Data sprawl. Long answer: Everyone’s using Slack, Teams, cloud drives, encrypted backups, random SaaS tools nobody even told IT about, and people expect you to pull their personal data from all of it, fast. At the same time, data subject access request response time expectations are shrinking. Technically, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) still says 30 days, but honestly? In the real world, people expect a response way faster. Some U.S. states like California are even trying to push shorter timelines. It’s not just about being legally compliant anymore. It’s about trust. If you mess up a DSAR, you’re not just risking a fine, you’re risking reputation with your clients, customers, even employees.
Here’s What’s Actually Changing in DSAR Handling 1. Automation is Standard Now in DSAR 2. Companies Are Preparing Before DSARs Even Hit 3. Identity Fraud in DSARs Is a Growing Problem 4. Tiered DSAR Models Are Replacing One-Size-Fits-All 5. AI is Helping (But Don’t Get Lazy)
www.aerenlpo.com/
Biggest Headaches That Haven’t Gone Away Even with all these upgrades, a few things are still a pain in 2025: Data everywhere (and half of it hidden in random apps nobody tracks) Privacy laws are constantly changing — not just GDPR, but CPRA, Quebec’s Law 25, Australia’s Privacy Act tweaks, etc. Costs stacking up — automation isn’t cheap upfront, and neither are the people you need to supervise it Smart orgs are investing now because the fines for getting it wrong later are still way bigger. Quick Reality Check: If You’re Still Handling DSARs Like It’s 2020… You’re going to fall behind. Clients expect faster, cleaner responses. Regulators expect tighter processes. Staff expect better tools so they’re not drowning in manual work. If you’re a Chief Legal Officer, Litigation Support Manager, VP at an LPO, or running ops at a firm, 2025 is the year to upgrade your data subject access request strategy. Not because it’s trendy. Because it’s necessary. Wrapping It Up Handling a data subject access request in 2025 isn’t about throwing more bodies at the problem. It’s about: Smarter systems Faster workflows Proactive planning Knowing when humans need to step in Staying flexible as laws (inevitably) change again
www.aerenlpo.com/
If you get it right, DSARs go from “oh no, not again” to just another smooth privacy process that shows you’ve got your house in order. If not? Well… regulators aren’t known for their patience. Where Aeren LPO Fits In If all this sounds overwhelming, it’s because it is. Managing DSARs today takes more than just good intentions. It takes a serious process, smart tech, and people who live and breathe privacy compliance. That’s exactly where Aeren LPO’s Data Subject Access Request Services come in. We help law firms, corporate legal teams, and vendors across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia handle DSARs end-to-end. Whether you’re facing a handful of requests or hundreds per month, we scale to your needs without cutting corners.
Contact us at: https://www.aerenlpo.com/contact-us
www.aerenlpo.com/
