Article 12 – Transparent information, communication and modalities for the exercise of the rights of the data subject

Information provided under Articles 13 and 14 and any communication and any actions taken under Articles 15 to 22 and 34 shall be provided free of charge. Where requests from a data subject are manifestly unfounded or excessive, in particular because of their repetitive character or [also, for requests under Article 15,] where an abusive intention on the part of the data subject submitting those requests can be demonstrated, the controller may either: (a) charge a reasonable fee proportionate to the administrative costs of providing the information or communication or taking the action requested; or

refuse to act on the request and inform the data subject of the reasons thereof. The controller shall bear the burden of demonstrating, in the light of all the relevant circumstances of the case, that the request is manifestly unfounded or excessive. For discussion: [that there are reasonable grounds to believe that it is excessive or submitted with an abusive intention, based on objective circumstances related to the request or the conduct of the data subject].