What can I do if an agency has incorrect information about me?

You have the right to ask any agency to correct the personal information it holds about you.

However, this is not an absolute right, as the agency may decline to make the corrections you’ve requested (for instance if it believes the information is correct, or is unable to amend a historic record). If an agency refuses to make the correction, it needs to inform you of this, and explain its reasons for declining your request.

Additionally, if an organisation does not agree that the information needs correcting, an individual can ask that an agency attach a statement of correction to its records, and the agency should take reasonable steps to do so. The statement of correction can be either your request for correction (if it sets out what you think the information should be) or a specific statement you provide.

If you want more information, we have this fact sheet(external link) on requesting and correcting personal information.

If you aren’t satisfied with how an agency has dealt with your correction request (for instance because it has failed to respond to you, hasn’t given you reasons for refusing your request, or has refused to attach a statement of correction), you can make a complaint to us.