Most requests for personal information are made for reasonable reasons.
But it is still fair to understand what is being asked — and why.
These questions are not about refusing to share data.
They are about sharing it proportionately.
1. What is this information being used to prove?
Often, only a single fact is needed — such as eligibility, age, or permission.
If the purpose is unclear, it is reasonable to ask for clarification.
2. Is all of this information necessary?
Sometimes a document contains far more information than is required.
It is worth asking whether a simpler confirmation would be enough.
3. Will this information be stored, or just checked?
There is a difference between:
- verifying something once, and
- keeping a copy indefinitely
Understanding which is happening matters.
4. How long will it be kept?
Information that is useful today may become risky over time.
It is reasonable to ask whether data will be deleted when it is no longer needed.
5. Who else will have access to it?
Data is often shared between systems or organisations.
Knowing whether information will be passed on — and to whom — helps set expectations.
6. Can the same thing be proven in a simpler way?
In some cases, a confirmation or short-lived proof can replace a full document.
If a simpler method exists, it is worth asking why it is not being used.
7. What happens if there is a mistake?
Errors occur in all systems.
It is reasonable to know how mistakes are corrected, and whether evidence is preserved.
8. What happens if this system fails or is compromised?
No system is immune to failure.
Understanding how damage is limited, and what support exists, is part of responsible design.
9. Will this information be reused for other purposes?
Information collected for one reason should not quietly become useful for another.
It is reasonable to ask whether data will be reused, aggregated, or analysed later.
10. Is this request proportionate?
Ultimately, this is the key question.
Does the amount of information being requested match the importance of the task?
Proportion is a reasonable expectation.
A quiet reminder
Asking these questions does not make someone difficult or uncooperative.
It reflects a basic understanding that:
- trust grows from clarity
- risk grows from accumulation
- good systems are comfortable explaining themselves
Sharing data should feel ordinary — not uncomfortable or irreversible.