What is meant by the right to data portability?

The right to data portability refers to the ability of individuals to obtain and reuse their personal data across different services. This concept is particularly significant in the context of data protection and privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. It empowers individuals by enabling them to move their data from one service provider to another without hindrance, thereby promoting consumer choice and competition among service providers.

This right ensures that users can take their data along when they switch services, making it easier for them to transition between platforms. For instance, a user could export their contacts, messages, or other personal information from one social media account to another, thereby retaining control over their information. This capability fosters more transparent practices and encourages companies to improve their services, knowing that customers can easily move their data if they are unsatisfied.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately characterize the right to data portability. For instance, the obligation to delete data upon request pertains to the right to erasure, while transferring data only within the same platform does not support the flexibility that data portability aims to provide. Similarly, the right to request data only during a data breach investigation is a limited scope that does not encompass the broader principle of data portability.