DIY Privacy Guide
How to Remove Your Data from the Internet
A comprehensive step-by-step guide to removing your personal information from data brokers, people search sites, social media, and public records. Take control of your digital privacy.Take control of your online privacy.Free templates and instructions included.
Data Removal Overview
Where Your Personal Data Lives Online
Before you can remove your data, you need to know where it exists. These are the main categories of sites that collect and display personal information.
- Data Brokers
- Companies like Spokeo, BeenVerified, Whitepages, and PeopleFinder that aggregate and sell your personal information. Most offer opt-out pages (links below).
- People Search Sites
- Sites like TruePeopleSearch, FastPeopleSearch, and ThatsThem that display names, addresses, phone numbers, and relatives. Usually free to opt out.
- Social Media Platforms
- Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and other platforms where you've created accounts or been tagged. You control this data directly.
- Public Records
- Court records, property records, voter registration, and government databases. Some can be sealed or removed; others are permanent.
- Old Accounts & Forums
- Abandoned accounts on forums, dating sites, gaming platforms, and services you forgot about. Many accumulate personal data over years.
- News & Media Mentions
- Articles, press releases, or blog posts mentioning your name. Removal depends on the publisher and content type.
Follow This Process
Data Removal Process: 5 Steps
- 01
Step 1: Discover What's Out There
Before removing anything, you need a complete picture. Run a Digital Footprint Check to identify all sources where your data appears. This prevents missing critical sites.
- 02
Step 2: Prioritize by Risk Level
Focus first on data brokers (highest risk), then people search sites, then old accounts. Leave social media for last since you have direct control there.
- 03
Step 3: Submit Opt-Out Requests
Use each site's opt-out form (links below). You'll need to verify your identity—usually via email or by providing the exact URL where your data appears.
- 04
Step 4: Follow Up & Verify
Mark your calendar to check back in 30-45 days. If data remains, submit a second request citing their privacy policy and applicable laws (GDPR, CCPA).
- 05
Step 5: Set Up Ongoing Monitoring
Data brokers continuously collect new information. Check your digital footprint every 3-6 months and repeat opt-outs as needed.
Data Broker Opt-Outs
Major Data Broker Removal Links
Data Brokers: Your First Priority
These sites aggregate the most personal data. Start here for maximum impact.
- Spokeo
- spokeo.com/optout - Search for your listing, copy the URL, submit opt-out form.
- BeenVerified
- beenverified.com/app/optout/search - Find your profile, provide email for verification.
- Whitepages
- whitepages.com/suppression-requests - Submit removal request with phone verification.
- PeopleFinder
- peoplefinder.com/optout - Search and submit removal for each listing.
- TruePeopleSearch
- truepeoplesearch.com/removal - Find your record, click "Remove This Record".
- FastPeopleSearch
- fastpeoplesearch.com/removal - Locate listing, submit removal request.
Additional Data Brokers
Additional Data Brokers to Contact
Secondary Data Brokers
After the major brokers, tackle these sites for comprehensive coverage.
- Intelius
- intelius.com/opt-out - Requires faxing ID (redact sensitive parts).
- Radaris
- radaris.com/control/privacy - Create account to manage removal.
- MyLife
- Email privacy@mylife.com with full name and request for profile deletion.
- ZabaSearch
- zabasearch.com/block_records - Submit form with your listing URL.
- ThatsThem
- thatsthem.com/optout - Find your listing, complete captcha, submit.
- USSearch / US Search
- ussearch.com/opt-out/submit - Email verification required.
Social Media
Controlling Your Social Media Footprint
Social Media: Direct Control
You own these accounts—take action to lock them down or delete them entirely.
- Facebook Privacy Settings
- Settings → Privacy → Limit past posts. Also check Settings → Apps → Remove old connected apps. Consider making profile unsearchable.
- Instagram Private Mode
- Settings → Privacy → Private Account. Review tagged photos and remove unwanted tags. Delete old posts via Archive feature.
- LinkedIn Profile Visibility
- Settings → Visibility → Edit public profile. Remove personal details, limit what's shown to non-connections.
- Twitter/X Privacy
- Settings → Privacy and safety → Protect your posts. Use the "Delete all tweets" tools for historical cleanup.
- TikTok Discoverability
- Settings → Privacy → Private account, and disable "Suggest your account to others".
- Delete Old Accounts Completely
- Don't just abandon accounts—delete them. Each platform has account deletion in settings (usually under Privacy or Account).
Search Engines
Removing Content from Google
Search Engine Cleanup
Speed up removal from search results after content is deleted at the source.
- Remove Content at Source First
- Google indexes content—it doesn't host it. Always delete content from the original website first, then Google will naturally update.
- Request Outdated Content Removal
- Google's Outdated Content Tool - Use after source removal to speed up de-indexing.
- Report Personal Information
- Google's Content Removal Tool - For doxxing, financial info, explicit images, or harmful content.
- Bing Content Removal
- Bing Content Removal - Similar process for Microsoft's search engine.
FAQs
Data Removal FAQ
Common questions about removing your personal information from the internet
Ready to start your data removal journey?
First, find out exactly where your data exists with a comprehensive Digital Footprint Check. First check free — then use this guide to remove your data yourself.