Article 33 Notification of a personal data breach to the CommissionF6F7
United Kingdom
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 F1the F2Commission, unless the personal data breach is unlikely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons. Where F3the notification under this paragraph 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.
Annotations
Textual amendments
- F1
Words in Art. 33(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/419), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 27(3)(a) (with reg. 5); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
- F2
Word in Art. 33(1) substituted (30.9.2026) by The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/386), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 41(3)(4)(i)(4)(ii); S.I. 2026/1015, reg. 2(c)
- F3
Words in Art. 33(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/419), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 27(3)(b) (with reg. 5); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
- F4
Words in Art. 33(5) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/419), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 27(4) (with reg. 5); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
- F5
Word in Art. 33(5) substituted (30.9.2026) by The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/386), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 41(3)(4)(i)(4)(ii); S.I. 2026/1015, reg. 2(c)
- F6
Words in Art. 33 heading substituted (31.12.2020) by The Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/419), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 27(2) (with reg. 5); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
- F7
Word in Art. 33 heading substituted (30.9.2026) by The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/386), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 41(3)(4)(i); S.I. 2026/1015, reg. 2(c)
Notes on the whole EU Regulation
Textual amendments
- F1
Regulation title amended (31.12.2020) by The Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/419), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 2 (with reg. 5); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)