Personal Data Export

Personal data export refers to the process of extracting personal data from a system in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format so it can be provided to a data subject or transferred to another controller. This capability is fundamental to the GDPR's right to data portability (Article 20), which allows individuals to receive their data and transmit it to another service provider. The export must include all personal data the individual has provided to the controller, whether through active provision (like filling out forms) or generated through their use of the service (like browsing history or usage logs). The data should be provided in a format that's technically interoperable, such as CSV, JSON, or XML, enabling the individual to easily use it elsewhere. Organizations should implement automated export mechanisms rather than manual processes to ensure efficiency and accuracy. The export should be comprehensive but shouldn't include data about others or proprietary algorithms. Privacy laws increasingly recognize data portability as a key right, acknowledging that individuals should be able to move between service providers without losing their data. Organizations that restrict data export or provide it in unusable formats may face compliance challenges and reduce user trust.