Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) are no longer an occasional compliance exercise. Across EMEA and the UK, organizations are seeing DSARs become more frequent, more complex, and far more time-sensitive. In the latest episode of 5 in 5, CDS’ Mark Anderson and Relativity’s Clare Longworth explore why this trend is accelerating and how organizations can respond without overwhelming their teams or budgets.
The conversation highlights a clear shift in the regulatory and business landscape. Individuals are increasingly aware of their data rights, while enforcement pressure continues to rise. At the same time, organizations are dealing with growing volumes of digital information spread across email, collaboration tools, and modern messaging platforms. Together, these factors are pushing DSAR programs to evolve beyond manual, one-off processes into scalable, repeatable workflows.
A central theme of the episode is speed without compromise. Meeting regulatory deadlines is critical, but doing so must not come at the expense of accuracy or defensibility. Automation and streamlined workflows are playing a key role in helping organizations access relevant data faster, reduce unnecessary review effort, and keep costs under control. Rather than relying on heavy manual intervention, technology is increasingly used to narrow data sets early and guide reviewers toward what matters most.
The discussion also touches on one of the biggest challenges in modern DSAR work: unstructured and non-traditional data. Collaboration platforms and multimedia content introduce complexity, but when handled correctly, they can be reviewed in context and with confidence. Keeping data unified in a single environment reduces friction and supports consistent decision-making.
Generative AI emerges as a powerful enabler, accelerating identification and review while maintaining transparency and human oversight. When paired with integrated redaction tools, organizations can move more smoothly from analysis to production, even at scale.
As DSAR volumes continue to grow across EMEA, the message is clear: success depends on smarter workflows, defensible technology, and a strategic approach. With the right combination of expertise and innovation, organizations can stay compliant while working more efficiently than ever.
