Rights

Right to Withdraw Consent

Defined in §6(6), DPDPA 2023; Rule 3, Rules 2025

A Data Principal's unconditional right to withdraw previously given consent at any time with equal ease.

What does “Right to Withdraw Consent” mean?

Under DPDPA Section 6(6), a Data Principal has the right to withdraw consent at any time. The withdrawal must be as easy as giving consent — if consent was given via a single click, withdrawal must be possible with equal simplicity. Upon withdrawal, the Data Fiduciary must cease processing within a reasonable period and erase the data unless retention is justified by another legal basis. The consequences of withdrawal must not be punitive.

Why does this matter for your business?

Your consent widget must include a withdrawal mechanism that is equally prominent and accessible. If withdrawal is buried in settings or requires customer support contact while consent was one-click, you violate DPDPA.

Real example

A Mumbai OTT platform that obtained consent via a banner toggle must allow withdrawal via an equally accessible toggle — not a 5-step process through Account Settings > Privacy > Advanced > Request Withdrawal > Confirm via Email.

Common misconception

You cannot make consent withdrawal conditional on explaining "why" or impose a cooling-off period. The right is unconditional and immediate. You also cannot degrade service as punishment for withdrawal.

Related terms

DPDPA Shield automates Consent Management. See how →