Version History and Deleted Files in DSAR Searches

Navigating Special Cases in Personal Data for DSARs
Summary: 

A complete DSAR search should consider relevant document versions and, where appropriate, deleted data to ensure personal information is not overlooked. 

Version History and Deleted Files in DSAR Searches 

When responding to a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR), searching only current files may not be enough. Version history and deleted files can contain personal data that may be relevant to the request. 

Previous document versions can show information that was later changed or removed. Similarly, deleted files may remain temporarily in recycle bins, archives, backups, or other storage systems. 

Organizations should therefore understand how their systems retain and delete information and apply consistent procedures when conducting DSAR searches.