I downloaded my information, but cannot reuse the relevant data elsewhere. What can I ask for?
The short answer
Where the EU GDPR applies, Article 20 can give you a reusable copy of eligible personal data, rather than just a file to read. It covers data you supplied, including observed activity, when processed automatically on consent or contract. It does not cover every item Meta holds. Use the ordinary download guide first if you simply need an archive; use the Article 15 access guide if your aim is to learn what personal data is held and how it is used.
What this answer is based onWhat to do
Keep a small, redacted example of the problem, your export settings, request reference and receipt date. A destination service rejecting a file does not by itself prove a GDPR breach: check what formats and fields it accepts. Never send passwords or login codes to a migration service.
- Check applicability and the precise data. GDPR can cover processing connected with an EU establishment, or certain offers of services to people in the EU or monitoring of their behaviour there; nationality alone is not the test. Identify the data you supplied or that was observed from your activity, and ask which legal basis applies if unclear. Portability requires automated processing based on consent or contract, not merely that data exists. Check the export’s selected profile, dates, categories and available formats; describe the actual reuse problem rather than demanding every internal record.
- Use the controller’s official privacy contact in the current privacy notice or Help Centre. Adapt this request: “For account [identifier], I request portability under GDPR Article 20 of [categories/date range] that I supplied or that was observed from my activity and is processed automatically on consent or contract. The export from [date] has this problem: [specific issue]. Please provide the eligible data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format, with metadata needed to reuse it. If technically feasible, please transfer it directly to [named controller and verified destination]; otherwise provide it securely to me and explain the obstacle. Please explain any exclusions.” Formats such as JSON, CSV or XML may suit the data; a readable document alone may not. Give only proportionate identity information through a verified channel if reasonably needed.
- Save the request and proof of receipt. The controller must respond without undue delay and within one month of receipt; a necessary extension of up to two further months for complexity or number of requests must be notified, with reasons, within that first month. Requests are normally free; manifestly unfounded or excessive requests can justify a reasonable fee or refusal, which the controller must substantiate. Compare the reply with the categories, format and transfer requested. For a refusal, ask for the reasons and complaint/judicial-remedy information. If unresolved or unanswered, follow the competent data-protection authority’s complaint process and include the request, receipt, reply and a minimal example. The EDPB directory helps find an authority; no outcome is guaranteed.
The situation
You want to reuse your own supplied account information for a personal archive. The available export presents the relevant records only as a document you can read, and you cannot extract the fields reliably. Record the categories, dates and format before requesting a portable version.
The situation and an improvement
Keep downloading the same archive and expect every profile feature to move automatically.
Identify eligible records, explain the reuse problem and request a usable format or a technically feasible transfer.
More examples
Direct transfer is unavailable
The receiving service has no compatible transfer route.
What to do
Ask for an explanation and a reusable copy of the eligible data. Check import options with the receiving service; the right does not force it to reproduce Instagram or Facebook features.
An inferred interest is missing
You want the platform’s predicted interests as well as activity you provided.
What to do
Separate the requests: inferred profiles are not covered by Article 20. Consider Article 15 access for personal data held about you, while keeping the portability request focused on eligible supplied or observed data.
What this answer is based on
EDPB · Right to data portability and handling rights requestswww.edpb.europa.euIrish DPC · Your right to data portabilityOfficial EU GDPR as-adopted text · Articles 12 and 20Irish DPC · Access and portability: procedure and limitsEuropean Commission · Application of the GDPREDPB · National supervisory authoritiesPrimary source readReview details
Source reviewed:
We read the official source listed for this topic. Other Meta rules are reviewed separately.
The full public EDPB rights guide, Irish DPC consumer and controller guidance, European Commission applicability guidance and EDPB authority directory were read on 12 November 2026. Articles 12 and 20 were read in the official legislation.gov.uk as-adopted EU text; the EUR-Lex text was not accessible. The original legislation was cross-checked against current EDPB and DPC guidance. No Meta account, export, privacy form, identity check or transfer was tested. The examples and request wording are practical guidance, not a finding about a particular account or individual legal advice.
Include the guide link, language and wording that needs checking. Add an official source link if you have one. Do not send passwords, login codes or photos of identity documents.
Examples are made up to explain the guidance. Meta decides individual account and content cases.
Sources and related topicsPolicy Graph · Demo in development