Meta · Meta Platform Policy

Data Deletion Obligations

High severity
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What it is

You must delete all of a user's data you have received from us (including friend data) if that user asks you to, unless you are required to keep it by law, or it has been aggregated or anonymized so that it cannot be associated with a particular user.

Why it matters

This gives Facebook users a contractual right to have their data deleted from third-party apps, which is a meaningful consumer protection especially for apps they no longer use.

Consumer impact

Meta's Platform Terms directly affect consumers because they determine what third-party apps and developers can do with personal data obtained from Facebook or Instagram, including profile information, friend lists, and activity data. The terms prohibit developers from selling platform data or using it for surveillance, but enforcement depends on developer compliance rather than Meta directly protecting users. You can review and remove third-party apps that have access to your Facebook account by visiting Facebook Settings, then 'Apps and Websites', to revoke permissions for any app you no longer trust or use.

What you can do

āš ļø These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
  • Delete Your Data
    Within 30 days
    Go to Facebook Settings, click 'Apps and Websites', find the app, click 'Remove', and then contact the app developer directly to request deletion of any data they hold from your Facebook profile.

Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    The FTC enforces COPPA deletion requirements and has authority over unfair data retention practices under FTC Act Section 5.
    File a complaint →
  • State AG
    State Attorneys General enforce CCPA deletion rights for California residents and analogous state privacy laws in other jurisdictions.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Meta Platform Policy
Entity
Meta
Document last updated
March 24, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 6, 2026
Last verified
April 4, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-001945
Document ID
CA-D-00022
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
4374fc1ff34a2283fed483234d25489ab19318606babb2f08722353374991450
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: Meta | Document: Meta Platform Policy | Record: CA-P-001945
Captured: 2026-03-06 20:43:57 UTC | SHA-256: 4374fc1ff34a2283…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/meta/meta-platform-policy/data-deletion-obligations/
Accessed: April 4, 2026
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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