Guides › Data Protection and Privacy › Ask a Company to Delete Your Data
Ask a Company to Delete Your Data
You can ask an organisation to delete your personal data in some situations, for example if it no longer needs it, you withdraw consent, or you object to direct marketing. It has one calendar month to respond. It can refuse in some cases, such as where the law requires it to keep the data.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Right to Erasure
When It Applies
The right applies when the organisation no longer needs your data for its original purpose, you withdraw consent, you object to direct marketing, the data was collected unlawfully, or it was collected from you as a child for an online service. Ask verbally or in writing (follow up a verbal request in writing). The organisation has one calendar month, extendable by two months if it tells you within the first month. source
Exceptions
It can refuse where keeping the data supports freedom of expression, is required by law or a public task, is needed for legal claims, or certain research. Manifestly unfounded or excessive requests can be refused or charged a reasonable fee. If refused, complain to the organisation, then the ICO. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 1 monthOrganisation respondsUp to two more months if it tells you
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Write to the organisation saying what data you want deleted.
Step 2 of 5
Say why, for example you withdraw consent.
Step 3 of 5
Keep a copy and note the date.
Step 4 of 5
If it refuses or does not reply, complain to it.
Step 5 of 5
Then complain to the ICO.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Organisation
Ask in writing first.
Information Commissioner's Office
If the organisation does not put it right.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Ask it to confirm in writing once the data is deleted.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- ico.org.uk/for-the-public/your-right-to-get-your-data-deleted Checked 13 October 2026
- ico.org.uk Checked 8 October 2026