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In the digital age, sharing personal information online has become inevitable. However, there are numerous places where our data is stored without our knowledge, making it incredibly challenging to protect our privacy.
The alarming fact is that cybercrimes are projected to increase by 15% annually, so we can only afford to work on removing our personal information from the internet.
To prevent becoming a victim of cybersecurity breaches, we have compiled a list of common locations where our data resides and provided steps to erase it. We will start with quick and simple measures you can take immediately to safeguard your privacy before delving into more time-consuming processes.
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Without a federal digital privacy and data protection law in the United States, exploring alternative ways to maintain control over your data sharing and selling practices while browsing online is essential.
To safeguard your information, consider implementing these simple measures:
Try incognito browsing
Opt out of cookies on sites you visit
Use the do-not-track features available in your browser
In the realm of computing and electronic devices, contemporary operating systems offer users a significant degree of control over their privacy. This includes the ability to determine how they're tracked and whether their personal information is sold.
Both MacOS and Windows operating systems incorporate built-in settings that allow individuals to safeguard their privacy while using Mac or Windows devices. It's advisable to conduct a thorough review of these security settings whenever acquiring a new device.
When downloading a new application, it's important to navigate to its settings on your device to restrict the amount of data it collects and shares.
It would be unwise to assume that just because an app falls into the gaming category, it will not collect or sell your information – quite the contrary, as such apps often engage in this practice.
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The world's largest and most widely used search engine, Google, receives 40,000 queries every second. Its suite of free services, including Gmail and Google Docs Sheets, are utilized by millions daily. But have you ever wondered how these services remain free? The answer lies in the collection and utilization of your data.
Fortunately, removing information from Google search results is a rather straightforward process. Here are several options to consider:
Reach out to Google through a straightforward form to delete personal details from Google search outcomes.
If utilizing the Google app, select the three dots beside specific information and request its removal.
Adhere to this procedure to eliminate outdated information and images from websites featured on Google search result pages.
This process enables you to submit a request for the removal of specific personally identifiable information or content prone.
Despite the assistance provided by removing certain details, it may not completely eradicate your presence from internet searches. This could be particularly challenging if you maintain an active presence on social media, your name is associated with a business, or you have a public persona.
If you're determined to eliminate your personal information from the internet, it often entails manually visiting various websites, conducting Google searches, and managing the disclosure of your information.
This process can be quite burdensome. Thankfully, services like DeleteMe can assist you with this task. Numerous companies specialize in removing your digital footprints effortlessly and without any hassle on your part.
Established in 2011, DeleteMe has positioned itself as a prominent service focused on safeguarding individuals' privacy by removing personal information from the internet. This includes phone numbers, addresses, ages, and job specifics.
While the company claims to cover over 750 data brokers and people search sites, a closer look reveals that they directly address only 43 platforms. For the remaining entities across various categories, such as fitness guides, dentist offices, and book clubs, DeleteMe utilizes custom removal requests. As a result, their comprehensive coverage may not be as extensive as initially advertised.
Despite this nuanced aspect, DeleteMe offers an intuitive dashboard with valuable insights. Being one of the pioneers in privacy protection lends significant credibility to the company's reputation as a trusted leader.
The pricing structure for DeleteMe is set at $129 per year. In essence, they have gained strong brand recognition as providers of privacy services. However, reviews regarding the actual effectiveness of their services are mixed. Some users have reported inconsistent results and describe their experience with DeleteMe as hit or miss.
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Incogni operates based on a simple concept: it sends opt-out requests to eliminate personal information from a predetermined list of data brokers and people search sites. However, one notable drawback is that Incogni cannot identify which specific sites possess your data. Instead, their requests broadcast your information indiscriminately across various platforms.
This indiscriminate approach presents a potential risk because your personal details may unintentionally end up being shared with new sites that previously did not have access to such information. This aspect introduces an element of uncertainty and raises privacy concerns.
Adding to the issue, Incogni needs to provide users with detailed information about the specific data each site holds about them. As a result, users need to be made aware of the extent to which their online exposure exists.
In terms of cost, Incogni offers two subscription options: an annual plan at $77 or a monthly plan priced at $12.99 per month.
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Optery, a new player in the privacy service industry, presents a range of pricing plans from $39 to $249 per year, offering coverage for up to 270 data brokers and people search sites. What sets this platform apart is its transparent dashboard that provides users with screenshots of the specific data held by each site.
However, it's worth noting that the more comprehensive coverage is primarily available at the premium tier. Some users have raised concerns about Optery's accuracy in verifying identified data and have reported an occasional hands-on removal process that involves confirmation emails from data brokers.
Despite these limitations, Optery still excels in providing robust transparency features by showcasing the information held by each site.
When considering whether to use this service, potential users should carefully evaluate the advantages of transparency against challenges such as accuracy issues and possible additional steps required for data removal.
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Privacy Bee positions itself as a highly reputable service for safeguarding privacy. They proudly declare that they cover 440 data brokers and people search websites, which they assert encompasses the entire data broker industry and a significant portion of people search platforms.
One notable feature of their service is that Privacy Bee handles all communication with data brokers on behalf of its users, eliminating the need for users to engage in cumbersome email exchanges. Additionally, Privacy Bee offers customized removals from over 150,000 other sites at no additional cost, catering to specialized platforms.
A key advantage provided by Privacy Bee is its flexibility in allowing unlimited removals of name variations, addresses, and phone numbers per user. This convenience is made possible through an AI-powered bot that ensures precise deletion of personal information.
Privacy Bee is positioned as a top-tier privacy protection service, offering extensive coverage and features despite its higher price tag of $197 per year. Users benefit from valuable transparency through complimentary digital footprint scans, enabling them to evaluate their vulnerabilities and access do-it-yourself removal guides.
Although the dashboard may initially require some navigation, it quickly becomes user-friendly with familiarity. Privacy Bee emphasizes providing effective and feature-rich privacy protection by offering comprehensive coverage and hands-on data removal management processes.
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Read more: Best ID Theft Protection
Only used or updated email addresses can hold a wealth of personal data. From conversations with trusted contacts to sensitive information related to shopping, healthcare, and banking, compromised email accounts can lead to significant harm.
Each email service will guide you in removing old accounts, typically found in the settings section. Before closing an account, it's crucial to safeguard any valuable photos or essential data, as once an account is deleted, retrieval becomes impossible.
Many of us have registered for an online store account to make a purchase, enticed by the prospect of discounts or free shipping. However, it's important to know the potential risks associated with these accounts.
When creating an account, we entrust our personal information, including address and payment details, to a third party. Unfortunately, we often have little knowledge or control over how this sensitive data is safeguarded.
Cybersecurity Tip: If you're unsure how to begin, search your email for keywords like "order confirmation" or "shipping confirmation."
This can help you identify accounts you may not have used. Deleting any shopping accounts you no longer use is also a good idea. Additionally, when purchasing on a website, consider checking out as a guest rather than creating a new profile.
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The applications utilized on your mobile device, tablet, and computer can also serve as a means of accessing personal data. If you have registered an account with an app or if the app is monitoring your activities, that information can be shared or sold to third parties by the app itself.
While it is advisable to remove unused apps from your phone, it's crucial to ensure that all traces of your data have been thoroughly eliminated from their systems before deletion. To accomplish this:
Navigate to the application settings on your device and locate details regarding data collection and usage policies. Disable any data collection features as necessary.
If necessary, access the in-app account you created, delete all stored information, and proceed to close the account.
Before taking action, review the privacy settings when downloading a new application. If an application demands excessive information, consider seeking an alternative.
Many platforms have emerged in social media, starting with Myspace and progressing to the current domination of Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. This abundance offers individuals numerous options for connecting and divulging their personal information.
However, even if you haven't accessed an account in many years, it still has the potential to expose your personal data to data brokers and individuals with nefarious intentions. By closing these accounts, you effectively eliminate another avenue through which your data can be accessed online.
Cybersecurity Tip: Unsure of the platforms where your profiles are registered? Conduct a search using your name to identify the websites with associated results. Additionally, examine your email account for activation emails.
It's important to carefully follow the instructions provided by each website and thoroughly read all information. Some sites may encourage deactivating an account instead of deleting it. If you prioritize safeguarding your personal data, opt for complete deletion.
Performing regular cleanups of your social media presence helps maintain privacy settings effectively. This practice involves:
Limiting the audience who can view your profile.
Routinely changing passwords or utilizing a password manager for secure management.
Deleting any posts, comments, or photos deemed controversial by others.
Severing connections with inappropriate accounts.
Enhancing the security and tidiness of your profiles can minimize the exposure of personal data and contribute to a more favorable impression for potential employers.
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Online platforms such as whitepages.com, TruthFinder, and Spokeo serve as comprehensive databases of personal data. If you've ever visited these websites, you may have been taken aback by the extensive information they possess about you. This includes details such as:
Current and past addresses
Phone numbers
Links to social media profiles
Traffic and criminal infractions
Regrettably, each of these platforms has distinct procedures for opting out, which demand a considerable amount of time to ensure the removal of your information. Delve deeper, and you will discover guidelines on how to opt-out.
If you need more time or are not inclined to delve into the various options for opting out, you can utilize DeleteMe. This service guarantees to delete your personal information from all people search websites.
Data broker websites operate similarly to people search platforms, containing information about individuals. However, instead of simply providing this information to users, data brokers compile it into supposedly anonymous profiles that can be sold to businesses seeking marketing leads or other data types.
The field of data brokerage is substantial and projected to reach $462.4 billion by 2031. While the opt-out process for data brokers may differ from other opt-out procedures, most can be completed within minutes.
On these broker sites, you will often find sections titled "Privacy" or "Consumer Information," where you can familiarize yourself with how your data is utilized and discover options for opting out if desired.
Credit bureaus also gather and potentially sell some of your information. Therefore, after requesting removal from other data broker platforms, it's advisable to verify whether the credit bureaus are still selling your details.
It should be noted that removing yourself from the credit bureaus' databases is a more complex process due to the multiple products they offer that contain your information. However, there's no need to fret as it's possible to opt out of all bureaus and their associated products, although it may require additional time and effort.
To have your data removed from these lists, you can reach out directly to the credit bureaus or utilize services such as DeleteMe for a more streamlined approach.
Whether you've grown up with or are new to the internet, your online presence is likely more substantial than you realize.
Take the time to search for your name (even delving several pages deep for less well-known references) and review your email accounts for any sign-up confirmations. Outdated information about you may still be lingering on various websites.
Personal websites are established for expressing thoughts or showcasing skill portfolios.
Previous employers' websites featuring outdated team pages.
Associations or clubs from which you've disassociated still display your name and photo.
Forums where you no longer contribute under your real name.
If your presence is detected on any of these platforms, email the webmaster and request removal from the site. Supplying URLs will facilitate locating these instances.
Cybersecurity Tip: If you find yourself unable to recall the login credentials for any websites you have signed up for, you should seek instructions on resetting your password or consult the FAQ section of the platform to identify the appropriate contact person who can assist in granting you access.
Now that we have explored methods for removing personal information from the internet, we should consider using a service like Norton's Privacy Monitor Assistant. This service enables individuals to eliminate their data from websites where it may be exploited or sold, thereby maximizing personal data security.
Staying informed about current cybersecurity risks is an effective way of cultivating a mindset that prompts careful consideration before sharing any information online.
Additionally, it's crucial not to overlook protecting your family members' privacy. Implementing parental controls will help safeguard children from inadvertently disclosing sensitive data on the internet.
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When selecting a service for removing personal information, it's crucial to clearly understand the types of information that can be eliminated from different sources.
For example, the dark web operates outside legal obligations and often refuses requests to remove exposed data. If your information has been compromised on the dark web, it's advisable to change credit card details or phone numbers with your provider.
On the other hand, well-known people search engines like Whitepages, Spokeo, and TruePeopleSearch are legally obligated to honor opt-out requests for personal information. It's important to note that Google simply indexes the content on these sites without directly sourcing or publishing user data. Therefore, removal requests need to be directed towards the original sites.
These public data sources may contain details about you, including your name, contact information, address, family members, and more.
When evaluating companies that specialize in removing personal information from the internet, it's essential that they demonstrate their ability to remove your data from major regulated data brokers effectively and people search platforms upon request.
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Ensuring the removal of your data from the internet is merely an initial measure. To maintain security, embracing online cybersecurity practices that enhance your privacy is crucial. Take into account the subsequent beneficial habits for maintaining good cyber hygiene:
Manage your social media sharing: Control the level of sensitive information, such as location data, that you disclose on your public social media profiles. Additionally, consider deactivating or deleting accounts that you infrequently use.
Exercise caution with new app installations: Before subscribing to new services or installing apps, carefully weigh the privacy implications. Ensure that the benefits of the app or service outweigh any potential risks associated with sharing personal data.
Avoid unnecessary account linking: While convenient, signing into apps using your Facebook or Google account can pose security risks. Avoid linking accounts unless essential to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access in case of a security breach.
Restrict visibility on social media: Review and adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms to limit public users' access to your profile. This helps prevent strangers from viewing your personal information.
Steer clear of public Wi-Fi networks: Public Wi-Fi networks are susceptible to data interception, potentially exposing sensitive information about you, your device, and your online activities. Exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi.
Consider utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN): When accessing public Wi-Fi, employ a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic, safeguarding it from cybercriminals. VPNs also offer protection against data surveillance by advertisers while browsing websites.
Be cautious with data sharing on unsecured channels: Exercise discretion when sharing sensitive information through email or messaging apps, as these platforms may not guarantee privacy. Even purportedly secure apps like WhatsApp and Telegram have vulnerabilities.
Be aware of the limitations of "Incognito Mode": Google Chrome's private browsing mode primarily prevents others, such as family members, from viewing your browsing history on your device. It does not offer additional protection for your online accounts or privacy settings.
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To proceed, the next course of action would involve opting out of any marketing affiliations that may have access to your personal information.
These associations typically gather data such as your financial records, encompassing your spending habits, household expenses, discretionary spending, and even economic indicators like employment details.
These affiliations assist marketers in utilizing your data effectively by enabling them to identify patterns in consumer spending for more precise targeting.
It's important to note that while these marketing associations allow consumers to control how their data is handled, these choices are often dependent on cookies and are specific to a particular device or browser.
Consequently, if you clear your browser cookies or disable them entirely, or if you switch devices, any preferences you have set will not be saved. Considering this, here's a list of some notable marketing associations from which it would be advisable for you to opt out.
The Data & Marketing Association
The Network Advertising Initiative
The Digital Advertising Alliance – AdChoices and AppChoices
Publicly available personal information often originates from sources like court records or Department of Motor Vehicles files.
While it may not be possible to erase this data from all platforms completely, many states in the United States offer the option to request the removal of sensitive details such as contact information or social security numbers. To initiate this process, individuals are advised to contact their county clerk's office directly for assistance.
Firstly, it's essential to adjust your phone's settings. While various options are available for phone privacy settings, location tracking, and app permissions are the two most critical ones. The specific locations of these settings may differ depending on the operating system and device being used.
For most versions of Android, navigate to settings > security and privacy > privacy > permission manager. From here, you can modify permissions individually for each app, such as location sharing, microphone usage, and camera access.
On iOS devices, access settings > privacy & security and select each category of information like calendars or reminders. This will display a list of apps with access to that data. You can then revoke permissions as needed. Afterward, return to privacy & security > app privacy report and choose "turn off app privacy report."
TIP: Disable Bluetooth when not in use since certain tech companies like Google can track your device through connections with nearby devices or Bluetooth beacons.
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Smart TVs and speakers are also capable of gathering personal data. Automated content recognition is a common feature found in many televisions, which tracks your viewing habits for targeted advertising purposes.
However, you can disable this feature by accessing the privacy settings menu on your TV. Even seemingly inconspicuous devices like speakers can pose a threat to your privacy.
Some instances have been reported where contractors have access to the audio recordings made by these devices. Additionally, hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in your speakers to eavesdrop on conversations.
It's advisable to adjust the privacy settings on most of these devices to mitigate these privacy concerns. Remember to mute your smart speaker as an added precautionary measure when not in use. Below, you will find instructions for adjusting the privacy settings on two popular smart speaker models:
Alexa – Adjust the privacy settings here.
Google Home – To delete all recordings, navigate to the Account section in your phone app and choose "My Activity." From there, you have the option to enable automatic deletion for future recordings as well.
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Before embarking on the task of removing personal information from the internet, it's crucial to follow a series of steps. Surprisingly, this initial phase is both challenging and vital. However, dedicating time to complete these tasks will reap benefits in the future.
Eliminating your personal information from the internet can seem like an impossible challenge. A valuable starting point to regain control is conducting a swift search on Google. This approach enables you to ascertain which information about you is readily accessible online and what others can perceive.
To prevent autofill and online monitoring, consider utilizing incognito mode. Conduct thorough investigations into significant details connected to your identity, such as your name, address, and even family members.
It would be beneficial to record any findings you come across during this process, including any social media platforms or data brokers that appear in the search results.
Below are several advanced Google search techniques that may assist you in identifying pages or sources where your data might be present:
"Firstname Lastname" "City"
"Firstname MiddleName Lastname" "city"
"Firstname Lastname" "address"
"Firstname MiddleName Lastname" "address"
"Address"
"Firstname MiddleName Lastname"
TIP: To stay informed about any new information that appears online, creating a Google Alerts notification for your name is recommended. This will help you keep up-to-date with the latest developments.
After thoroughly understanding the extent of your online data exposure, the next step is to determine your desired level of privacy. While it's true that 86% of Americans have made efforts to minimize their digital presence, not everyone is prepared to remove all their personal information from the internet completely.
To make an informed decision, there are several questions you should consider:
Which tools and services are you hesitant to relinquish?
What type of information do you feel uneasy about leaving on the internet?
What advantages do the tools and services you wish to retain offer compared to the risks associated with the information they necessitate online?
To maintain some presence of your data on the internet without completely erasing it, you'll need to carefully consider which tools and services you want to continue using, how much information you want to remove, and the level of risk you're comfortable with. Achieving this balance requires thoughtful decision-making.
TIP:
It's crucial to eliminate any Personally Identifiable Information (PII) that could pose a substantial threat of identity theft, financial fraud, harmful direct communication, or other specific hazards.
Make sure to delete the following if you encounter it:
Confidential government identification (ID) numbers like US Social Security Number
Bank account numbers
Credit card numbers
Images of handwritten signatures
Images of ID docs
Highly personal, restricted, and official records, like medical records
Personal contact info (physical addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses)
Confidential login credentials
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To safeguard your data privacy in the future, it's advisable to take a proactive approach. One effective measure is to browse the internet using private mode whenever possible.
To ensure utmost privacy and security while surfing the web, it's highly recommended to utilize a reputable VPN service like Surfshark. By encrypting your data, a VPN establishes a secure tunnel that shields your personal information from external threats.
If purchasing a VPN is not feasible now, enabling private browsing on your browser can offer some level of protection. However, it should be noted that private browsing mode does not guarantee complete anonymity, as we have previously discussed in another post.
Nevertheless, this practice will prevent any traces of your online activities, such as browsing history, passwords, or cookies, from being stored. Here are some options for enabling private browsing on popular web browsers:
Chrome – Incognito mode
Mozilla Firefox – Private browsing
Microsoft Edge – InPrivate browsing
Safari – Private browsing
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Do you have additional inquiries regarding eliminating your personal information from the online realm? We possess responses to several frequently asked questions on this matter.
Personally Identifiable Information (PII) refers to data that enables the identification of an individual either directly or indirectly. PII encompasses information that is associated with or can be connected to a specific person.
Examples of Personally Identifiable Information consist of names, addresses, transaction records, browsing history, employment background, and educational background, among other details.
Finding the ultimate company to remove your personal information from the internet takes a lot of work. Numerous companies provide comparable services at similar rates.
However, according to the blog, DeleteMe stands out among these providers as exceptional. To make an informed decision, it's crucial to assess your specific needs and identify a provider who can effectively address most items on your list.
Developing a robust digital security mindset involves more than just one action. By being cautious about the websites you visit and the frequency of sharing personal information, you can identify patterns and make necessary adjustments. To minimize your daily vulnerability, consider implementing these simple yet effective measures:
Opt out of tracking on your devices and any sites you visit
Set your profiles on social networks to private
Be careful about where you shop
Know how to spot phishing scams
Congratulations on completing all the steps in our guide! By doing so, you have successfully minimized your digital footprint. However, it's important to note that online privacy and security require ongoing attention. We recommend revisiting many of the steps on our list regularly to ensure continued protection.
While this process may be time-consuming and require dedication, we firmly believe safeguarding your safety and privacy is always worthwhile. It's essential to approach this process with patience as it may take time to implement all the necessary measures fully.
Additionally, it's crucial to acknowledge that there may be certain aspects you cannot remove from the internet permanently. Rest assured that you're taking significant strides toward enhancing your online security and protecting your personal information by following these steps diligently.
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Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.
