Data Removal & Opt-Out
Data Removal & Opt-Out
Section titled “Data Removal & Opt-Out”Data brokers collect and sell personal information. For activists, removing this data can protect against doxxing and targeting. This guide covers how to minimize your digital footprint.
Why Data Removal Matters
Section titled “Why Data Removal Matters”Data removal services help:
- Reduce spam emails and robocalls
- Protect against phishing attacks and scams
- Minimize personal information exposure
- Prevent doxxing and harassment
- Make it harder to be targeted
DIY Data Removal Resources
Section titled “DIY Data Removal Resources”Comprehensive Guides
Section titled “Comprehensive Guides”- The Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List - Community-maintained list of opt-out instructions for dozens of data brokers
- IntelTechniques Data Removal Workbook - Detailed guide to removing personal information
Educational Videos
Section titled “Educational Videos”- Data Brokers: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Overview of the data broker industry
- The Data Broker Nightmare – Techlore - How your data gets shared
Data Removal Services Comparison
Section titled “Data Removal Services Comparison”| Service | Price/mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Your Digital Rights | Free | Global, 300+ brokers, DIY tool |
| Easy Opt-Outs | $1.66 | USA, 110 brokers, good value |
| Optery | $3.99 | USA, 360 brokers |
| Incogni | $7.49 | USA, EU, UK, CA |
Services to Approach with Caution
Section titled “Services to Approach with Caution”Some services have questionable practices:
| Service | Concern |
|---|---|
| DeleteMe | Hidden tiers, limited coverage despite high price |
| OneRep | CEO founded multiple people-search sites |
| Privacy Bee | Questionable marketing claims |
| Avast BreachGuard | $16.5M FTC fine for data harvesting |
Manual Opt-Out Process
Section titled “Manual Opt-Out Process”Priority Data Brokers
Section titled “Priority Data Brokers”Start with the biggest offenders:
- Spokeo - spokeo.com/optout
- WhitePages - whitepages.com/suppression-requests
- BeenVerified - beenverified.com/f/optout/search
- Intelius - intelius.com/opt-out
- PeopleFinder - peoplefinder.com/optout
General Opt-Out Steps
Section titled “General Opt-Out Steps”- Search for yourself on the data broker site
- Find your listing
- Follow their opt-out process (usually involves email verification)
- Document the date of your request
- Follow up if not removed within 30 days
- Repeat periodically (data often reappears)
Freezing Your Credit
Section titled “Freezing Your Credit”Freezing your credit prevents identity theft:
- Equifax - equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze
- Experian - experian.com/freeze
- TransUnion - transunion.com/credit-freeze
Also freeze with:
- Innovis - innovis.com/securityFreeze
- ChexSystems - chexsystems.com
See IntelTechniques Credit Freeze Guide for detailed instructions.
Google Yourself Regularly
Section titled “Google Yourself Regularly”Set up alerts to monitor your information:
- Google Alerts - google.com/alerts - Monitor your name
- Have I Been Pwned - haveibeenpwned.com - Check if your email was in data breaches
- Search engines - Regularly search your name, address, phone number
Social Media Privacy
Section titled “Social Media Privacy”Reduce Your Footprint
Section titled “Reduce Your Footprint”- Review and tighten privacy settings on all platforms
- Remove or anonymize old posts
- Don’t use real name if not necessary
- Don’t share location data
- Use separate accounts for activism vs personal life
- Be cautious about tagging and being tagged
Platform-Specific Settings
Section titled “Platform-Specific Settings”Facebook:
- Settings → Privacy → Limit past posts
- Settings → Privacy → Who can look you up
Twitter/X:
- Settings → Privacy → Protect your tweets
- Settings → Privacy → Discoverability
Instagram:
- Settings → Privacy → Private account
- Settings → Privacy → Activity status off
LinkedIn:
- Settings → Visibility → Profile viewing options
- Consider limiting or removing if not needed professionally
Address Privacy
Section titled “Address Privacy”Virtual Mailbox Services
Section titled “Virtual Mailbox Services”If you need a public address, consider:
- Traveling Mailbox
- US Global Mail
- PO Box at your local post office
Voter Registration
Section titled “Voter Registration”Voter registration is often public. Check your state’s options:
- Some states allow address confidentiality programs
- Consider using a PO Box if your state allows
For Activists Specifically
Section titled “For Activists Specifically”Higher Priority Actions
Section titled “Higher Priority Actions”- Freeze credit immediately - Prevents identity theft
- Remove from major data brokers - Start with top 5-10
- Lock down social media - Or remove entirely
- Use separate identities - Different email, phone for activism
- Regularly monitor - Set calendar reminders
Using Pseudonyms
Section titled “Using Pseudonyms”For public-facing activism:
- Use a consistent pseudonym
- Create separate email for that identity
- Use a Google Voice or similar number
- Be consistent (don’t mix real and pseudonym)
Ongoing Maintenance
Section titled “Ongoing Maintenance”Data removal is not one-time. Set reminders to:
- Monthly: Check major data broker sites
- Quarterly: Re-submit opt-out requests for reappeared data
- Annually: Full audit of your digital footprint