Readiness assessment

Right

Consent Withdrawal

Consent withdrawal is the right to take back consent at any time, as easily as it was given, after which processing must stop.

Defined inSection 6(4) to 6(6)
CategoryConsent & Notice
Applies toAny consent-based processing

What the Act says

DPDP Act 2023, Section 6(4)

Where consent given by the Data Principal is the basis of processing of personal data, such Data Principal shall have the right to withdraw her consent at any time, with the ease of doing so being comparable to the ease with which such consent was given.

In plain language

Withdrawal must be as simple as giving consent in the first place. A one-tap opt-in cannot become a buried, multi-step opt-out.

On withdrawal the fiduciary must, within a reasonable time, stop processing and cause its processors to stop, unless another lawful basis requires the processing to continue.

Example

If you agreed to marketing emails with one click, unsubscribing must be just as easy, and the sender must then stop.

Related terms

Related sections of the Act

Related Rules

Frequently asked questions

Does withdrawal undo past processing?

No. Withdrawal does not affect the legality of processing done before it, but future processing must stop.

Can I withdraw through a Consent Manager?

Yes. Section 6(7) lets you give, manage, review and withdraw consent through a Consent Manager.

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