Software applications that claim the ability to extract complete user data from a social networking platform are often advertised. These tools promise to compile comprehensive information, including posts, photos, friends lists, and personal details, into a downloadable format. For example, an individual might seek such a utility hoping to archive their own profile information or, potentially, to gather information about another user.
The purported benefits of such programs include the ability to create backups of personal data, conduct social media research, or analyze user behavior. Historically, there has been demand for methods to archive or transfer social media data due to concerns about data loss or platform migration. However, the use of such tools raises significant ethical and legal concerns, especially regarding privacy violations and potential misuse of personal information.