DSARs in Practice: Managing Complex Requests with Technology and Oversight
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A practical look at handling high-risk DSARs using modern eDiscovery tools and structured review workflows.
Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) are becoming more complex, more frequent and in some cases, more strategic.
In this episode of The Salient Edge, David Fisk is joined by Andrew Punter from Reveal to explore how organisations can respond effectively to modern DSAR challenges — particularly where requests are high-risk, multi-faceted, or potentially linked to litigation.
Building on a previous discussion around DSAR strategy, this conversation focuses on the practical application of technology within the process. From early case assessment and data scoping through to review, redaction and disclosure, the episode examines how platforms like Reveal can support structured, defensible responses.
The discussion also addresses the growing reality of “weaponised” DSARs—requests that extend beyond privacy rights and into legal or commercial strategy. In these scenarios, coordination between legal, HR and privacy teams becomes critical, as does having the right investigative and eDiscovery capability in place.
While technology plays an important role, David and Andrew emphasise that DSAR processing still requires careful human oversight—particularly when dealing with nuance, privilege, third-party data and regulatory risk. The episode explores how organisations can strike the right balance between efficiency and control, using tools such as advanced search, analytics, machine learning and visualisation to support decision-making without over-reliance on automation.
Key topics covered include:
- Managing complex and high-risk DSARs
- Understanding and responding to “weaponised” requests
- The role of eDiscovery platforms in DSAR workflows
- Structuring review processes and escalation paths
- Redaction strategies and disclosure considerations
- The importance of proportionality and defensible decision-making
This episode is essential listening for corporate investigators, legal teams, compliance professionals, and anyone responsible for managing DSARs in a regulated environment.
Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) are becoming more complex, more frequent and in some cases, more strategic.
In this episode of The Salient Edge, David Fisk is joined by Andrew Punter from Reveal to explore how organisations can respond effectively to modern DSAR challenges — particularly where requests are high-risk, multi-faceted, or potentially linked to litigation.
Building on a previous discussion around DSAR strategy, this conversation focuses on the practical application of technology within the process. From early case assessment and data scoping through to review, redaction and disclosure, the episode examines how platforms like Reveal can support structured, defensible responses.
The discussion also addresses the growing reality of “weaponised” DSARs—requests that extend beyond privacy rights and into legal or commercial strategy. In these scenarios, coordination between legal, HR and privacy teams becomes critical, as does having the right investigative and eDiscovery capability in place.
While technology plays an important role, David and Andrew emphasise that DSAR processing still requires careful human oversight—particularly when dealing with nuance, privilege, third-party data and regulatory risk. The episode explores how organisations can strike the right balance between efficiency and control, using tools such as advanced search, analytics, machine learning and visualisation to support decision-making without over-reliance on automation.
Key topics covered include:
- Managing complex and high-risk DSARs
- Understanding and responding to “weaponised” requests
- The role of eDiscovery platforms in DSAR workflows
- Structuring review processes and escalation paths
- Redaction strategies and disclosure considerations
- The importance of proportionality and defensible decision-making
This episode is essential listening for corporate investigators, legal teams, compliance professionals, and anyone responsible for managing DSARs in a regulated environment.
Chapters
- 00:01 Introduction to DSAR Technology Solutions with Reveal Platform
- 01:52 Understanding Weaponised DSARs and Client Challenges
- 03:25 Platform Features for Complex DSAR Management
- 05:13 Advanced Analytics and Communication Visualization
- 07:31 Balanced Approach to AI Implementation
- 09:26 Multi-Tier Review Processes and Automated Batching
- 10:44 Redaction Tools and Disclosure Management
- 13:35 AI-Powered Features and Machine Learning Applications
- 15:03 Proportionate Approach and Advanced Model Capabilities
- 16:28 Emerging RG Tool and Future Development
- 17:56 Generative AI Development and Future Automation
- 18:51 Conclusion and Business Value Considerations
