Step-by-step process to remove yourself from the internet
Audit your digital footprint first
Search for your name in incognito mode. Also search your email, phone number, and old usernames. Document every URL that contains your personal information.
Opt out of data brokers
Sites like Whitepages, Spokeo, BeenVerified, and Intelius compile and sell personal data. Each has an opt-out process. This is the most impactful step — 670+ sites need to be contacted.
Request Google removal (GDPR/CCPA)
For EU residents: use Google's GDPR Article 17 erasure form. For California residents: use CCPA requests. For others: Google has a general personal information removal tool.
Delete or privatize social media profiles
Audit privacy settings on every platform. Remove personal information like phone number, address, and employer from public profiles.
Contact websites directly
For information on blogs, forums, or smaller sites, contact the website owner directly and request removal. Many comply within days.
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Public records scrapers
Data brokers automatically collect information from public records: property records, voter registrations, court filings, and business licenses.
Social media data harvesting
Even private profiles can have data scraped — profile photos, usernames, and limited profile data are often accessible.
Retail and loyalty programs
Retailers frequently sell customer data to third parties. Your purchase history and contact details can end up in data broker databases.
Old website registrations
Websites you registered on years ago often sell or leak their user databases, putting your old email addresses in circulation.