Q: How long can someone hold onto my data for?

When it’s for contractual reasons, for example you purchased a product, service, made a donation and actions of similar nature, it generally ranges about 6-7 years.

It’s always good to reach out to the entity to clarify this for you. You’ll find that the majority of companies will be more than happy to answer your question. Keep in mind that they have 30 days to respond to you.

If they don’t, then you can file an official complaint via our online form FILE A COMPLAINT. This service is also part of our free membership.

Here is a great infograph from Erik Underwood c/o TechRepublic, with interesting insights into why your data is being collected.

question sent in by Anna.A from Spain