← Back to all guidesData portability sounds technical, but the idea is simple: you should be able to get a copy of your data from a service and move it somewhere else. In Europe, this is a legal right in certain cases under GDPR Article 20.
What data portability means
Data portability is the right to receive personal data you have provided to a company in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format.
In plain English: you should not be locked into a service just because your data is trapped there.
What the GDPR right covers
Under GDPR Article 20, the right to data portability applies when processing is based on your consent or on a contract.
- Data you typed in, like profile details or contact information
- Files you uploaded, like photos, documents, or messages
- Observed activity data, like search history or listening history
- It does not generally cover inferred or derived data like internal scores
What it does not mean
- Portability is separate from deletion
- Not every dataset is covered
- Direct transfer only applies where technically feasible
How to use portability in practice
- Pick one service you use heavily.
- Request your export and save it in a clearly labeled folder.
- Open the files and check whether they are actually understandable.
- Store one local copy and one off-site backup.
- Repeat once or twice a year so your archive stays current.
FAQ
Is data portability a legal right?
Yes. Under GDPR Article 20, individuals have a right to data portability in certain situations.
Does exporting my data delete it from the company?
No. Exporting and deletion are separate things.
What is a good export format?
CSV and JSON are usually the most useful because they are structured, machine-readable, and widely supported.