File a privacy complaint
Filing a complaint with the state data protection authority regarding alleged violations of the GDPR by companies or government agencies.
How to proceed
- 1
Contact the person in charge
First, exercise your right to access or deletion directly.
- 2
File a complaint with the data protection authority
Online form with a description of the facts and supporting documents.
- 3
Review by the authority
May result in a warning, an order, or a fine for the person responsible.
Required documents
- Correspondence with the data controllerOften forgotten
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 2 months
Official: max. approx. 3 months
Online application
Online possible – at the responsible authority
Common mistakes
- • Previous complaint to the data controller (company) was not documented
- • Facts of the case are insufficiently described
Common reasons for rejection
- • No violation of the GDPR was found
- • To clarify the facts of the case under civil law
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Any data subject whose personal data has been processed unlawfully.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 months
Success rate
approx. 55.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Previous complaint to the data controller (company) was not documented
- •Facts of the case are insufficiently described
Common reasons for rejection
- •No violation of the GDPR was found
- •To clarify the facts of the case under civil law
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.
Questions & Answers
Does filing a data protection complaint cost anything?▼
No, filing a complaint with the supervisory authority is free of charge for those affected.