Withdrawal Channel
https://publicschema.org/vocab/withdrawal-channel
The channel through which a data subject exercised their right to withdraw consent. This field is populated when the consent record transitions to withdrawn status. Programs must accept withdrawal through channels appropriate to how consent was originally given; programs that accept only digital withdrawal from beneficiaries who gave consent on paper may not be complying with the principle that withdrawal must be as easy as giving consent.
Values
| Code | Label | Standard code | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
web | Web | The data subject used a web browser (desktop or mobile) to submit a withdrawal request via a form or account interface. | |
mobile | Mobile application | The data subject used a mobile application to submit a withdrawal request. Includes USSD and SMS-based withdrawal flows specifically designed in a mobile application context. | |
api | API | A withdrawal was submitted programmatically via an application programming interface, typically by a system acting on behalf of the data subject (for example, a partner system relaying a withdrawal it received). Records which external system submitted the withdrawal in evidence_ref or withdrawal_reason when traceability is needed. | |
paper | Paper form | The data subject submitted a written withdrawal request on paper, such as a signed letter or a pre-printed withdrawal form. The paper form should be scanned or photographed and referenced in evidence_ref. | |
verbal | Verbal | The data subject communicated withdrawal verbally. Requires a witness or a staff member present to record the withdrawal. The staff member who received the verbal withdrawal should be noted in evidence_ref or withdrawal_reason, along with the date and circumstances. Programs should define an operating procedure for handling verbal withdrawal requests. | |
in_person_office | In-person at office | The data subject visited a program office or service point in person and submitted a withdrawal request there, whether verbally or in writing. The staff member handling the request should be recorded. Distinct from community-worker, which covers field-based withdrawal. | |
community_worker | Community worker | A community-level agent (community health worker, social worker, program field agent) received and recorded the withdrawal on behalf of the program. Common in programs that use community workers for outreach; particularly important when beneficiaries cannot travel to an office or do not use digital channels. The community worker's identity should be documented in evidence_ref or withdrawal_reason. | |
other | Other | The withdrawal was received through a channel not covered by the other values. Document the specific channel in withdrawal_reason so that patterns can be identified for future vocabulary additions. |