Object to the processing of your personal data
As a citizen of the European Union, you may object to the processing of your personal data. Your data may then no longer be processed, unless the respective body can prove compelling legitimate reasons that outweigh your interests. Therefore, you must always justify your objection and the reasons must arise from your person.
Personal data includes, for example:
- Online data, such as IP address, location data, email address
- Bank details, such as account balances, account numbers
- Identification numbers, such as ID card number or social security number
- Land Registry Entries
- Health information, such as genetic data, medical data
- Testimonies
- general personal data, such as name, address, age, marital status
- physical characteristics, such as gender, skin, hair or eye color, height
You can assert your right to object to processing vis-à-vis public and non-public bodies. Public bodies are, for example, public authorities, non-public bodies are, for example, commercial enterprises, associations or clubs.
You must request the objection to the processing of your personal data directly from the relevant public or non-public body.
Requirements
You have the right to object to the processing of your personal data,
- if you can justify that your particular personal situation requires it.
You cannot object to the processing of your personal data if:
- there is an overriding public interest that outweighs your interests as a data subject, or
- there is a legal provision that obliges us to process your data, or
- the data processing is in the context of research, science or statistics and your objection would make this impossible or at least seriously impair it.
Applications / forms
Forms: no
Online procedure possible: yes
Written form required: no
Personal appearance required: no
Confidence level: low
Which documents are required?
- Copy of your identity card
- Alternatively: Copy of your passport in conjunction with a copy of your registration certificate
What are the fees?
You don't have to pay anything.
Process flow
If you come in person, it will often not be possible to get it done right away. Even if you call, they usually can't identify you with certainty. Therefore, you should submit the objection online or by post.
Submit your objection online:
- Access the online application form on the Federal Portal verwaltung.bund.de. This will guide you step by step through the necessary information, which you can enter electronically.
- Note: For the online application, you need an electronic identification document, for example the online function of your identity card.
- Upload the required documents as a file (in PDF, DOC, JPEG, PNG file formats, maximum 10 megabytes per file) and submit the application. Alternatively, you can submit the required documents by post.
- The public authority will usually send you the corresponding answer by post to your registered address or, in some cases, by e-mail.
Submit your objection in writing:
- You can submit your application informally.
- Send your application with the required documents by post to the public body.
- The public authority will send you the corresponding answer by post to your registered address.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
You don't have to observe any deadlines.
Processing duration
The processing of your personal data must be stopped without undue delay, i.e. without undue delay on the part of the entity processing the data. As a general rule, you must be informed of the measures taken no later than 1 month after you have lodged the objection. If this is not possible, you must be informed of the reasons for the delay and the extended deadline.
Appeal
There are no generally applicable remedies.
