Chapter 4 · Controller and Processor

Article 33Notification of a breach to the supervisory authority

All 99 Articles Chapter 4: Controller and Processor

A personal data breach likely to risk people's rights must be reported to the supervisory authority within 72 hours of becoming aware of it. All breaches must be documented internally.

Key points

  • 72-hour clock runs from awareness.
  • Document every breach, even those you decide not to report.

Official text & source

Article 33 of the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679). Read the full, authoritative text on EUR-Lex.

Official text on EUR-Lex

Official text

Verbatim text of Article 33 of the General Data Protection Regulation — Regulation (EU) 2016/679.

1 In the case of a personal data breach, the controller shall without undue delay and, where feasible, not later than 72 hours after having become aware of it, notify the personal data breach to the supervisory authority competent in accordance with Article 55 , unless the personal data breach is unlikely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons. 2 Where the notification to the supervisory authority is not made within 72 hours, it shall be accompanied by reasons for the delay.

The processor shall notify the controller without undue delay after becoming aware of a personal data breach.

The notification referred to in paragraph 1 shall at least:

describe the nature of the personal data breach including where possible, the categories and approximate number of data subjects concerned and the categories and approximate number of personal data records concerned;

communicate the name and contact details of the data protection officer or other contact point where more information can be obtained;

describe the likely consequences of the personal data breach;

describe the measures taken or proposed to be taken by the controller to address the personal data breach, including, where appropriate, measures to mitigate its possible adverse effects.

Where, and in so far as, it is not possible to provide the information at the same time, the information may be provided in phases without undue further delay.

1 The controller shall document any personal data breaches, comprising the facts relating to the personal data breach, its effects and the remedial action taken. 2 That documentation shall enable the supervisory authority to verify compliance with this Article.

Source: Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1). Official text reproduced from EUR-Lex — © European Union. Only European Union legislation published in the Official Journal is deemed authentic.

Related articles

These summaries are a plain-English orientation only and are not a substitute for the official text of the Regulation or for legal advice.

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