--- title: "Article 15 — Right of access by the data subject" type: regulation legal_status: in_force source: "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02016R0679-20160504" source_retrieved: 2026-09-28 shortTitle: "Article 15 — Right of access by the data subject" instrument_type: level1_regulation authority: Commission binding: true binding_character: binding mica_level2: false legal_basis: "Regulation (EU) 2016/679" instrument: gdpr celex: "32016R0679" regulation: GDPR regulation-full: "Regulation (EU) 2016/679" article: 15 status: in_force object_id: eu.gdpr.legal_text.article.15 text_version: "Consolidated version of 4 May 2016" source_url: "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02016R0679-20160504" check_status: matched verified: true last_checked: 2026-10-26 --- *In force · Consolidated version of 4 May 2016 · Checked against EUR-Lex on 26 Oct 2026 · [Official source](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02016R0679-20160504)* 1. The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the [controller](https://www.headlesslaw.com/definitions/gdpr/controller) confirmation as to whether or not [personal data](https://www.headlesslaw.com/definitions/gdpr/personal-data) concerning him or her are being processed, and, where that is the case, access to the personal data and the following information: **(a)** the purposes of the [processing](https://www.headlesslaw.com/definitions/gdpr/processing); **(b)** the categories of personal data concerned; **(c)** the recipients or categories of [recipient](https://www.headlesslaw.com/definitions/gdpr/recipient) to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organisations; **(d)** where possible, the envisaged period for which the personal data will be stored, or, if not possible, the criteria used to determine that period; **(e)** the existence of the right to request from the controller rectification or erasure of personal data or [restriction of processing](https://www.headlesslaw.com/definitions/gdpr/restriction-of-processing) of personal data concerning the data subject or to object to such processing; **(f)** the right to lodge a complaint with a [supervisory authority](https://www.headlesslaw.com/definitions/gdpr/supervisory-authority); **(g)** where the personal data are not collected from the data subject, any available information as to their source; **(h)** the existence of automated decision-making, including [profiling](https://www.headlesslaw.com/definitions/gdpr/profiling), referred to in [Article 22(1)](22.md) and (4) and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject. 2. Where personal data are transferred to a third country or to an [international organisation](https://www.headlesslaw.com/definitions/gdpr/international-organisation), the data subject shall have the right to be informed of the appropriate safeguards pursuant to [Article 46](46.md) relating to the transfer. 3. The controller shall provide a copy of the personal data undergoing processing. For any further copies requested by the data subject, the controller may charge a reasonable fee based on administrative costs. Where the data subject makes the request by electronic means, and unless otherwise requested by the data subject, the information shall be provided in a commonly used electronic form. 4. The right to obtain a copy referred to in paragraph 3 shall not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others. ## Related Level 2 and Level 3 ### Guidance and Q&A - [EDPB 01/2022 — Guideline — Right of access \[final\]](../level-3/guidelines/edpb-01-2022-right-of-access.md) *** [Chapter III — Rights of the data subject](../chapters/iii.md) · [← Article 14](14.md) · [Article 16 →](16.md)