Getting personal data erased from JW.org

[Jack Ryan]

Request for personal data erasure under gdpr refused on clause which says religious organisations can keep records. The following is in their privacy policy:

Upon receipt of your written request, after you provide sufficient evidence of your identity and enough information to permit us to identify your personal data, the applicable data controller will fairly consider granting the request by balancing the interests of the individual in gaining access to data or correcting or deleting data against the legitimate interests of the organization, including whether granting the request would endanger the organization’s right to religious freedom and practice. We will also notify any third-party recipients of the necessary changes.

Please note that your data may not be erased if processing is required by law or if the data may be kept on other legal bases. For example, the religious organization has an interest in permanently maintaining data regarding an individual’s status as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Deleting such information would unduly infringe on the organization’s religious beliefs and practices. Requests to delete personal data are subject to any applicable legal reporting or document retention requirements imposed on us. You may also lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority about the processing of the data you have provided through this website.

[Jack Ryan]

You can bet on the org agreeing to a lot of individuals' requests to delete data - due to it being in the org's  "legitimate interests" to do so.

 

[Jack Ryan]

For example, the religious organization has an interest in permanently maintaining data regarding an individual’s status as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Deleting such information would unduly infringe on the organization’s religious beliefs and practices.

The branch may refuse a request saying they need the data to ensure 'they keep the congregation clean'

Be interesting to see if they use this for everyone or just a few.