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Writer's pictureEffie Moss

Is Scraping data from platforms, such as Instagram or Facebook GDPR compliant?

Updated: May 13, 2023

In the digital age, data is king. Businesses rely on the information they gather to make informed decisions, increase sales, and improve customer experiences. But how they collect that data is a topic of ongoing debate, particularly in terms of compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).


When it comes to scraping data from platforms like Instagram or Facebook, it’s important to understand that this practice can have significant legal and ethical implications. GDPR, which took effect in 2018, sets strict guidelines for the collection and use of personal data. This includes data collected from social media platforms.


GDPR states that personal data can only be collected for specific, explicitly defined purposes. This means that the individual must give their consent for the data to be collected and used. When it comes to scraping data from social media platforms, it can be difficult to determine whether the individual has given their consent.


Furthermore, scraping data from these platforms can also violate the terms of service of the platform in question. For example, Facebook’s terms of service prohibit the scraping of user data without prior written permission. This means that businesses engaging in this practice could face legal action.


It’s important to remember that the GDPR is designed to protect the privacy of individuals and ensure that their personal data is not used without their consent. When it comes to data collection, it’s crucial to ensure that your methods are GDPR compliant and that you have the necessary permissions in place.


There are alternative methods of collecting data that are compliant with the GDPR.

For example, using a data provider that complies with the GDPR and has obtained the necessary permissions from individuals. This can provide a more reliable and ethical means of collecting data, while also reducing the risk of legal action.


The question of whether scraping data from platforms like Instagram or Facebook is GDPR compliant is a complex one. Businesses should carefully consider their methods of data collection and ensure that they are in compliance with the GDPR. Alternative methods, such as using a data provider, may provide a more reliable and ethical means of collecting data while also reducing the risk of legal action.


If you have any questions around data collection and GDPR compliance, please do reach out and let us know.

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