Blockchain is built to be permanent and tamper-proof. But Data Subject Rights (DSRs) — like the right to be forgotten, corrected, or restrict processing — require flexibility. Sounds like a clash, right?

The trick is not to fight the nature of blockchain, but to work around it smartly.

Here’s how companies can balance DSRs without compromising on trust or compliance:

1. Store personal data off-chain
   Use blockchain only for hashes, pointers, or IDs. Keep actual personal data in a regular database where it can be deleted or edited easily.
2. Use encryption + key destruction
   If personal data must go on-chain, encrypt it. Then if someone wants their data “deleted,” just destroy the decryption key — the data becomes unreadable.
3. Smart contracts = smart privacy
   You can automate consent logging and off-chain actions like deletion or updates via smart contracts. This adds transparency and auditability.
4. Design with privacy in mind
   Only collect what's needed, pseudonymize where possible, and be transparent about what's on-chain vs off-chain.
5. Tell users the truth
   Explain what rights you can support fully, and what technical limits exist. Honesty builds more trust than pretending you’re perfectly compliant.

Bottom line: Blockchain isn’t anti-privacy — but it needs creative privacy engineering. Combine the strengths of both worlds, and you can build systems that are both compliant and trustworthy.

To have more understanding on Blockchain & Privacy. Read our understanding on 

1. Blockchain V. Privacy Laws
2. Balancing Data Subject Rights in the Age of Blockchain