Instagram Now Lets You Download All Your Personal Data With New Data Download Tool
Tobenna Ezike
Following ongoing privacy issues and debates as a result of the recent Facebook data breach, Instagram – the Facebook-owned photo sharing site, has decided to relinquish monopoly of people’s personal data by allowing users download their data from the platform.
Data portability
According to TechCrunch, the tool’s launch is necessary for Instagram to comply with the data portability rule in European Union’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) privacy law that goes into effect on May 25th. Users who want to leave Instagram for other photo sharing platforms will also find the feature very useful.
The data download will allow you access to your complete profile info including photos, videos, saved stories, profile information, comments, direct messages as well as likes and searches. The “Data Download” feature can be accessed through the app’s privacy settings. The tool is only available on the web for now, but it should be accessible to iOS and Android users soon.
You can request your data by submitting your email address in the space provided and Instagram will send you a copy of your personal data. Also note that it could take up to 48 hours to actually collate and send you that data.
How to access the Data Download tool
Log into your Instagram account from your computer
Go to your Settings through the gear icon in the profile section
Select Privacy and Security
Scroll down to Data Download option and click on Request Download
A tab appears which prompts you to enter the email address on which you want your data to be sent.
Enter your preferred email ID and Instagram account password.
You’ll receive a mail containing the link to download your data from Instagram.
