A method for managing personal data stored in a distributed system, in which the personal data are transmitted from a terminal device to at least one network node; and in which there is furnished to the user, by the distributed system, a user interface by way of which the personal data are to be managed in respective network nodes of the distributed system which manage the personal data; and in which management instructions furnished via the user interface, for managing the personal data within the distributed system, are transmitted via a predefined interface that is configured at least on the respective network nodes of the distributed system which manage the personal data.