How to Remove Personal Information From The Internet [for Free]

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of removing your personal information from the internet. By following these steps, you can regain control over your digital footprint and minimize the chances of your data falling into the wrong hands. So let’s dive in and get started!

• Opt out of Data Brokers and People Search Sites

Data brokers play a significant role in the trade and sale of personal information online. These companies collect data from various sources, including public records, social media platforms, and other online databases. To begin the process of removing your information from data brokers’ databases, we recommend the following steps:
• Conduct thorough research to identify which data brokers possess your personal information. Please note that the results may vary depending on your location and other factors.
• Once you have identified the data brokers, send them data removal requests or follow the provided guides to opt out. However, keep in mind that you may need to repeat this process periodically, as new data brokers emerge, and some may collect your information again despite opting out.

If you prefer a more convenient approach, you can consider using a reliable automated data removal service like DeleteMyInfo. For a monthly or yearly subscription, DeleteMyInfo can delete your personal information from over 180 data broker databases, saving you time and effort.

• Remove Your Info from Google

Google is a widely used search engine that often displays personal information in its search results. Fortunately, Google provides a feature that allows individuals to request the removal of specific personal information. However, please note that not all information is eligible for removal, and each removal request is evaluated by Google.
To remove your personal information from Google, follow these steps:
• For general removal requests, visit the Google Search Removals page and submit the necessary information.
• If you need to remove an image from Google, you will need to contact the webmaster hosting the image and request its removal. If that doesn’t work, you can fill out a request form on the “remove an image from Google” page, providing relevant details based on your specific situation.

It’s important to remember that other search engines may also display your personal information. If your information appears on Google, it is likely to appear on other search engines as well. In such cases, you will need to contact the respective webmasters to request removal.

• Optimize Google Privacy Settings

To further enhance your privacy on Google, you can optimize your privacy settings. Visit the Google activity controls page and take the following steps:
• Delete any stored data that you do not want Google to retain.
• Turn off tracking for web and app activity, location history, YouTube history, and ad personalization.
• Enable auto-delete for your web and app activity to ensure that new accumulated information is periodically deleted.

These adjustments will help minimize the collection and retention of your personal data by Google.

• Delete Your Social Media Accounts

Social media platforms are known for collecting and sharing personal information. While deleting all your social media profiles may be a drastic step, you can start by removing any unused or obsolete accounts. This will reduce the amount of personal information associated with your online presence.

• Optimize Privacy Settings for Remaining Social Media Accounts

For the social media accounts you choose to keep, it is important to optimize their privacy settings. Although the customization options may vary across platforms, here are some general tips to optimize privacy settings on social media platforms:
• Review and adjust your privacy settings: Go through the privacy settings of each social media platform you use and customize them according to your preferences. Consider limiting the visibility of your profile, posts, and personal information to a smaller audience, such as friends and family.

• Be mindful of what you share: Think twice before posting personal information such as your address, phone number, or financial details. Avoid sharing sensitive or private information publicly, as it can be used by cybercriminals or for identity theft.

• Disable location tracking: Many social media platforms offer location-based features that track and share your whereabouts. Disable or limit the use of location tracking to protect your privacy and prevent others from accessing your real-time location.

• Review and remove tags: Regularly review and remove tags from posts and photos that others have tagged you in. This helps prevent your personal information from being associated with content that you may not want to be linked to.

• Manage app permissions: Social media platforms often integrate with various third-party apps and services. Review and manage the permissions granted to these apps, ensuring they only have access to the necessary information and features.

• Regularly review your friend or connection list: Periodically review your friend or connection list and remove individuals you no longer wish to share personal information with. This can help minimize the exposure of your data to people you may not trust or know well.

Remember, privacy settings and features may change over time, so it’s important to stay informed about platform updates and adjust your settings accordingly.

• Secure your online accounts

Apart from social media platforms, securing your online accounts is crucial to protect your personal information. Here are some essential steps:
• Use strong, unique passwords: Create strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information and consider using a password manager to securely store and generate passwords.

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Enable 2FA wherever possible, which typically involves providing a second verification code or using biometric factors like fingerprints or facial recognition.

• Regularly update and patch software: Keep your devices and applications up to date with the latest security patches. Software updates often include fixes for vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.

• Be cautious of phishing attempts: Be wary of suspicious emails, messages, or links that could be phishing attempts. Avoid clicking on unknown or suspicious links and never share personal information with unverified sources.

• Use encrypted connections: When accessing websites or online services, ensure that your connection is encrypted. Look for the padlock symbol and “https” in the website URL, indicating a secure connection.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of personal information available online and enhance your privacy and security.
It’s important to note that completely erasing all personal information from the internet may not always be possible, as some data may be stored in backup systems or already shared by others. However, by taking proactive measures to remove and limit the exposure of your personal information, you can mitigate the risks associated with online privacy and protect yourself from potential harm.