The next Digital Takeout Day is coming

Time to download your digital life and take it home.

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Next Takeout Day: May 8, 2023

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What is Digital Takeout Day?

The Concept

Digital Takeout Day is a biannual reminder (every May 8th and November 8th) to download and back up your personal data from all the online services you use.

It's not about privacy concerns or fear of data breaches. It's simply because this is your content, your memories, and your digital life. And just like takeout food is meant to be taken home, your digital content should have a copy that lives with you.

The Origin

"What if we all picked a date, say every 6 months or so, for a little Digital Takeout Day? A calendar reminder to grab our stuff from the places we spend the most time online. Not for privacy reasons. Not because of a data breach. Just because it's our stuff. And we might want it someday."

— From the original LinkedIn article that started it all

Why It Matters

  • Services can change terms, shut down, or restrict access
  • Your precious memories and data should exist in multiple places
  • Having a local copy gives you more control and peace of mind
  • Regular backups become a simple, sustainable habit

How to Get Your Data

Click on each service to see detailed instructions on how to download and store your data.

Communication & Productivity

Social & Community

Media & Purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I download my data?

We recommend doing this every 6 months, on Digital Takeout Day (May 8th and November 8th). However, if you're very active on certain platforms or are planning to delete an account, you might want to do it more frequently.

Where should I store all this data?

Ideally, follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: keep 3 copies of your data on 2 different types of storage with 1 copy stored off-site. This could mean your computer, an external hard drive, and a cloud storage service.

Some recommended secure cloud storage options include:

  • ProtonDrive - End-to-end encrypted storage based in Switzerland with strong privacy focus
  • Tresorit - EU-based secure cloud storage with end-to-end encryption
  • pCloud - Swiss-based storage offering lifetime plans and client-side encryption
  • Sync.com - Zero-knowledge encryption and GDPR compliance
  • Backblaze - Unlimited cloud backup with affordable pricing and easy setup

How long does it take to get my data?

It varies by service and how much data you have. Small exports might be ready in minutes, while complete archives from services like Google or Facebook can take days to prepare.

What format will my data be in?

Most services provide data in common formats like ZIP archives containing JSON, HTML, CSV, or media files. Some services let you choose your preferred format.

Is there a tool to organize all this data?

Currently, there's no universal tool for organizing data from different services. We recommend creating a folder structure organized by service and date of download. For photos and media, you might want to use photo management software to help organize.

My favorite service isn't listed. What should I do?

Most reputable online services offer some way to export your data. Look in account settings, privacy settings, or search for "[service name] download my data" to find instructions.