The instant we go online, our personal data begins to accumulate, and with it, a desperate need for protection. That’s where data broker removal services step in, rescuing our privacy one delete at a time.

While it’s completely legal for data brokers to gather, analyze, and sell our personal information, this practice raises concerns about privacy and security.

Table Of Contents:

What exactly is a data broker?

The Ultimate Guide to Data Broker Removal Services
The Ultimate Guide to Data Broker Removal Services

Well, think of them as information aggregators – they gather data, organize it, and then sell it to other businesses.

You’ve got a business that’s all about gathering consumer data, and then selling it to the highest bidder – that’s a data broker in a nutshell. They build profiles of individuals by gathering data from public records, social media, online activity, and other sources.

This information often ends up in the hands of advertisers looking for targeted marketing leads, but it also leaves individuals susceptible to scams and other dangers. Data broker websites, like people search sites, are something you should definitely be aware of.

Why Do I Need a Data Broker Removal Service?

You might wonder if removing your information from these databases is really necessary. Data broker removal services can minimize risks to you in an increasingly digital world.

Some of the issues that can arise from leaving your data online are constant spam calls, more junk mail, higher insurance premiums, and susceptibility to identity theft and fraud. For instance, NPR reported that insurance firms utilize data from these brokers to determine insurance premiums.

Sick of those annoying spam calls and emails? A data broker removal service can be your ticket to peace and quiet. By expunging your info from data brokers’ records, you’ll finally get some breathing room from those constant, unwanted pitches and calls. However, even removing this information doesn’t make you invisible online.

The Scale of Data Collection

a man in a hoodie holding a sphere

Data brokers don’t always operate in the open, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t collecting incredible amounts of information on you. More people have information about them floating around online than they may realize.

According to cybersecurity firm Bitdefender, about 40% of internet users have between two and 11 points of exposed personal data online. 60% of internet users have at least 12 points of exposed personal data online. This information can paint a disturbingly clear picture.

A study published in Nature Communications found that just 15 demographic data points made it possible to identify an individual with 99.98% certainty. Removing personal data can feel like an impossible task when you consider the sheer volume of data being collected.

Data PointPercentage of Internet Users
2-11 Data Points Exposed40%
12 or More Data Points Exposed60%

Further emphasizing this point, the Transparency Marketing Research report highlights that in 2021 alone, the data broker industry was valued at over $240 billion. It is projected to skyrocket to over $462 billion over the next ten years. With an industry growing at this pace, and that much sensitive data being collected on each individual, it begs the question – are current data privacy laws enough?

Are Data Broker Removal Services Enough to Protect Your Data?

Data broker removal services offer a valuable tool in the fight for data privacy. Although they provide an additional layer of privacy and protection, they are not a foolproof solution for completely disappearing online.

It is equally important to adopt responsible online practices and familiarize yourself with privacy settings. Some effective ways to minimize your online footprint include regularly reviewing your social media privacy settings and using a VPN for encrypted browsing to protect your data. Using a service like DuckDuckGo, which provides a secure search engine that doesn’t track user information, is a wise idea as well.

Data Broker Removal Services in a Nutshell

Despite the abundance of data broker sites like People Finder, personal data removal services work to have your data removed from data broker websites.

Many data removal services offer various plans that cater to individuals with specific privacy needs. For example, DeleteMe, a top-rated data broker removal service, covers a broad spectrum of data brokers, boasting coverage of over 580 data brokers. Start with a smaller blueprint and build your way up – it’s a smarter way to begin. Scrub your digital footprint clean with our data removal services. We’ve got another player in the data broker removal space, and its list might be smaller than some, but it’s distilled down to the most important stuff. Companies that traffic in personal info abound, with a staggering hundred businesses dealing in data.

Kanary is another reputable data removal service that clearly lays out its procedures, including which websites it monitors and how its system handles the removal process. This can be particularly helpful for users who may need help understanding data brokers and how they operate.

If you suspect you have been a victim of a data leak, services like Have I Been Pwned offer you a resource to check your online exposure. Notably, data broker removal services primarily target publicly available information.

Removing personal info from data brokers requires meticulous processes crafted by pros to protect your online persona.

These processes involve blurring, erasing, or concealing your info to keep prying eyes away.

Although data brokers vary in the types of data they collect and share, several common categories exist. You’ll often find categories that fall into certain buckets.

  • when you need to find someone, these websites have got your back
  • We’ve all wondered what lies beneath the surface of online searches – that’s where background check sites come in.
  • Businesses looking for an edge turn to specialized middlemen who deal in high-stakes marketing data.
  • Imagine an expert liaison between financial institutions and clients – that’s the essential role financial information brokers play, guaranteeing data accuracy and transparency.
  • Medical information has become a valuable commodity, bought and sold by companies you’ve never heard of – health data brokers who profit from your personal health journey.
  • The location data brokers operate in the shadows, scooping up data points from here and there, and then weaving them into elaborate dossiers on our habits and routines.

Can you really count on data broker removal services to get the job done?

a man standing in front of a large screen
a man standing in front of a large screen

The effectiveness of data broker removal services depends on a couple of things. Some key considerations are the company’s process for requesting removal and the response of the data brokers. This can vary; some are more responsive than others. And unfortunately, sometimes there is a time lag between requesting the removal of your information and it actually happening.

Data removal is a continuous process because information is always being updated. Most data removal services utilize automated data removal as part of their process.

Can I Manually Remove Information From Data Broker Sites?

You call the shots when it comes to your personal data; request removal and we’ll make it happen. You can find more detailed information and opt-out resources on the Your Digital Rights website, dedicated to empowering individuals to exercise their online privacy rights.

Services such as EasyOptOuts are specifically designed to streamline this opt-out procedure, offering consumers a hassle-free experience. It offers helpful guides and resources that simplify the process.

Although it is more time-consuming, if you have the time, it is possible to manage DIY data removal yourself. Data brokers have made this process much more challenging in recent years by creating convoluted opt-out processes in hopes that consumers will give up trying. Fortunately, resources are available that simplify and guide you through the steps. Some data brokers don’t even allow third parties to request that information be deleted. That means it really has to be done by the person whose data it is.

Are Data Broker Removal Services a One-Time Thing?

Data brokers continuously refine their databases, which means this process is never really finished. To remain one step ahead, data broker removal services flood the system with frequent scans and repetitive removal requests. This ensures data brokers aren’t continuing to sell your private information.

This proactive strategy helps protect your data privacy in the long term. Regularly scanning data broker sites is crucial, so make sure the service you choose stays on top of removal requests.

Can Data Be Deleted From Everywhere?

Although you can have information removed from data broker lists, completely scrubbing every trace of you from the internet can be an impossible endeavor. While requesting to have it removed might work with a lot of databases, others make it very challenging or are just unresponsive to removal requests altogether.

For example, some data broker companies like Acxiom, CoreLogic, and Equifax Information Services collect and sell this type of information, but each has varying policies. While some focus on the business side and marketing using their massive databases, other’s primary function is to collect data as a credit bureau, like Equifax. However, you might not have realized that a company like Equifax also offers marketing services for businesses, and it’s unknown what safeguards exist for the consumer. Credit monitoring is just one area where data is collected.

Take Fog Data Science, for instance. This data broker is said to have a troubling side hustle: furnishing law enforcement with the location information of ordinary Americans. EFF.

The most effective method for online protection is knowing what you’re putting out there. Be discerning about the websites and businesses you engage with. If a business isn’t transparent about data practices or requests unnecessary personal details, view that as a red flag and it’s generally a good idea to avoid sharing your information altogether with them.

Remember that subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to their Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Many times, these companies are after your email address and phone number.

What is the Best Way to Choose a Removal Service?

Data Broker Services to pick from

The right data broker removal service for you depends on what you need it to do. Evaluate a company’s features, removal techniques, and whether or not they send requests to a larger pool of databases, including services like Google.

Another important factor is price. It can cost anywhere from under $10 per month to upwards of $20 per month or more if you opt for more than just basic removal. Consider free trials but be sure to weigh the costs versus what you really need. Do they meet your must-haves or is it enough that the data removal service focuses on a handful of data brokers? For a broader range of removal requests or to see how much data brokers have on you, consider something more robust.

Consider DeleteMe if you need your phone, credit card information, and email masked from prying eyes. This added feature helps thwart unwanted calls and spam in your personal email. If you need more advanced protection, a service like DeleteMe offers features like a masked email.

A synergy exists between artificial intelligence and automated removal, streamlining data broker services by expediting the elimination of superfluous data points. Artificial intelligence’s rapid growth further shakes things up in a major way. It helps these services efficiently target and request data removals.

For example, Incogni, another reputable data removal service in the industry, uses AI and machine learning (ML). Optery is yet another service that utilizes the power of AI and combines it with a team of security experts for more complex removal requests that require a human touch. These technologies make it faster to scan extensive databases, giving you a thorough analysis and removal of your data broker information.

Conclusion 

The digital age presents convenience but at the expense of your digital privacy. A data broker removal service can provide a sense of control. You also significantly minimize many risks associated with having your data readily available online.

The digital age has brought unparalleled convenience to our lives, but at a steep cost: our digital privacy.

  • Identity Theft: Your personal information can be used to impersonate you, leading to financial losses and damage to your reputation.
  • Cyberstalking: Your online activities can be tracked, making you vulnerable to harassment and stalking.
  • Financial Fraud: Your sensitive information can be used to gain access to your financial accounts.

A data broker removal service can help you reclaim your digital privacy by removing your personal information from online databases and people-search websites.

  • Reduced Risk of Identity Theft: By removing your personal information from online databases, you minimize the risk of identity theft.
  • Increased Online Safety: You reduce the risk of cyberstalking and financial fraud by making it harder for malicious actors to find your information online.
  • Peace of Mind: You regain control over your digital privacy, enjoying greater peace of mind in the online world.

 FAQ

Do you get what you pay for with data broker removal services?

Yes, data broker removal services are worth it if privacy and having control over your information are important to you. By using a reputable service, you lessen your risk of identity theft and significantly reduce spam calls, unwanted mailers, and targeted marketing material from companies.

How do I remove myself from data brokers?

Although you can attempt to remove your information yourself, opting for a reputable data broker removal service can streamline and automate the entire process. Removal services specialize in navigating these often-complicated procedures for you, doing the heavy lifting while saving you a lot of time.

What is the best service to remove my information from the internet?

Established brands and companies you can count on offer removal services for data brokers. Three of the more well-known include DeleteMe, Incogni, and Optery. Factors to help determine what is best for you depend on the depth of removal needed and how easy the service is to use. Other things to consider are the levels of customer support, price point, and their overall effectiveness.

How much does it cost to remove your information from the internet? 

Pricing depends on several factors. Some key factors that can impact cost are if it is for an individual or family plan, how much coverage is needed (basic or advanced), and if you choose monthly or annually. If you are tech-savvy, you may even be able to start the process yourself. Companies such as Optery offer this.

What exactly is a data broker?

Data brokers collect and sell your personal information. They gather this information from public records, websites you visit, and even your online purchases. This data can include your name, address, phone number, email address, shopping habits, and more. Sounds creepy, right?

Why should I care about data brokers?

Data brokers can sell your information to anyone, including marketers, advertisers, and even scammers. This can lead to unwanted spam, targeted advertising, and even identity theft. Although data brokers can be helpful, this information is often used without your knowledge or consent.

How can a data broker removal service help me?

Data broker removal services contact these data brokers on your behalf and request that they remove your personal information from their databases. Although they can’t guarantee complete removal, they can significantly reduce your online footprint and help protect your privacy. It’s like hiring a personal assistant to scrub the internet for your info.

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