Back in 2018, the Cambridge Analytica/Facebook data scandal made headlines around the world, revealing how personal information shared on Facebook could be harvested and used without people realising it. It was a wake-up call for a lot of families about just how much data social media platforms hold on us — and on our children, by extension, if they use connected apps or quizzes.
If you’ve ever wondered exactly what Facebook knows about you, the good news is you can request a full copy of your data directly from the platform. Here’s how to check what data Facebook has on you, plus how to review and remove any apps you’ve connected to your account over the years.
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How to Check What Data Facebook Has On Your Profile
You’ll need to do this on a desktop or laptop rather than your phone or tablet, as you’ll need to unzip a file at one point.
1. Log into Facebook with your account details, then head to your account settings. On desktop, this is usually accessible via the menu in the top right corner of the page.
2. Look for the option to download a copy of your Facebook data (the exact wording and menu location can change from time to time, so have a browse through the settings menu if it’s not immediately obvious).
You may be asked to re-enter your password. Facebook will then compile your data and notify you once your archive is ready to download — you’ll also get a link by email. Check your spam folder if it doesn’t turn up in your main inbox; the subject line usually mentions your download being ready. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how much data is being pulled together.
3. Click the download link in your email, or the download option in your settings, and you’ll be asked to enter your Facebook password once more.
4. This will download a zip file. You’ll need to unzip the file, usually by clicking on it and following the extract instructions. This will create a series of folders on your desktop or laptop.
5. Look for a file that lets you view the archive in your browser (older versions used a file called “index.html”). Opening this will show you the information Facebook holds on you — and, by extension, what may have been visible to your family and friends — along with details of who it’s shared with.
It’s worth having every family member who uses Facebook go through these steps too, especially older kids and teens who may not realise how much information they’ve shared over time.
You might also enjoy reading 5 Tips for Parents on Tablet and Smartphone Online Safety
How to Check What Apps You Have Connected on Facebook
While we’re on the subject — the Cambridge Analytica scandal happened because of a quiz app that people had used, which was able to harvest data from users and their friends. It’s worth checking which apps you’ve connected to your Facebook profile and removing any you’re no longer using.
Here’s how to check what apps you have on your Facebook profile
- Go to your Facebook account.
- Open your account settings.
- Look for the section covering apps and websites.
- You’ll see a list of all the apps you’ve authorised on your Facebook profile.
If you want to remove an app from your profile, you can usually do this from either the desktop site or the app. It’s worth noting that removing an app from Facebook doesn’t automatically mean your data is deleted from that app developer’s own database — you may need to contact the developer directly to request that, which is easier to do from a desktop or laptop.
Here’s how to remove an app from your Facebook profile
- Find the app you want to remove from your list of connected apps.
- Select the option to remove it.
- You may be shown information on how to contact the app developer about your data. Note this down, then confirm the removal.
- If you want to be sure your personal data is deleted from the app itself, message the developer directly or check their website for a data request form.
You might also enjoy reading Posting Images and How To Stay Safe Online
Business Achievers is a business portal and networking hub designed to connect business owners and entrepreneurs to industry thought leaders, generate new business opportunities, and build supportive connections. If you’re in business and want to discuss data protection and GDPR, it’s worth checking out their GDPR group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I want to check what data Facebook has on me?
Checking your data gives you a clearer picture of what Facebook has collected about you over the years — from posts and messages to ad preferences and connected apps. It’s a useful step if you’re thinking about your family’s online privacy, or simply curious how much information you’ve built up on the platform.
Does removing a connected app delete my data from that app too?
Not automatically. Removing an app disconnects it from your Facebook profile, but the app developer may still hold data they collected while it was connected. You’ll usually need to contact the developer directly, or check their site for a data deletion request form.
Is this something I should do for my children’s accounts too?
If your children have their own Facebook accounts, it’s a good idea to walk through these same steps together. It’s a helpful, hands-on way to talk about what information gets shared online and why it’s worth keeping an eye on connected apps and quizzes.
How long does it take to get my Facebook data?
It varies — sometimes it’s ready within minutes, other times it can take a few hours. Facebook will email you a link once your archive is ready to download.
Related Reading
- 5 Tips for Parents on Tablet and Smartphone Online Safety
- Posting Images and How To Stay Safe Online
If online safety is a topic you’re navigating with your family, browse our other parenting and digital safety guides for more practical tips, or save this article to come back to next time you want to check your privacy settings.
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