diff --git a/i18n/ar/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/ar/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/ar/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/ar/tools.md b/i18n/ar/tools.md index d5f82bb0..8d671fb8 100644 --- a/i18n/ar/tools.md +++ b/i18n/ar/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/bn-IN/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/bn-IN/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/bn-IN/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/bn-IN/tools.md b/i18n/bn-IN/tools.md index 52a3d3d3..a6b82b1f 100644 --- a/i18n/bn-IN/tools.md +++ b/i18n/bn-IN/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/bn/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/bn/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/bn/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/bn/tools.md b/i18n/bn/tools.md index 52a3d3d3..a6b82b1f 100644 --- a/i18n/bn/tools.md +++ b/i18n/bn/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/cs/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/cs/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/cs/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/cs/tools.md b/i18n/cs/tools.md index 52a3d3d3..a6b82b1f 100644 --- a/i18n/cs/tools.md +++ b/i18n/cs/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/de/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/de/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/de/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/de/tools.md b/i18n/de/tools.md index 925b19e0..2f066cad 100644 --- a/i18n/de/tools.md +++ b/i18n/de/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/el/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/el/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/el/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/el/tools.md b/i18n/el/tools.md index 7d95741b..1c779f0c 100644 --- a/i18n/el/tools.md +++ b/i18n/el/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/eo/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/eo/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/eo/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/eo/tools.md b/i18n/eo/tools.md index 52a3d3d3..a6b82b1f 100644 --- a/i18n/eo/tools.md +++ b/i18n/eo/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/es/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/es/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/es/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/es/tools.md b/i18n/es/tools.md index 39f00c78..130cc647 100644 --- a/i18n/es/tools.md +++ b/i18n/es/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ Si busca más **seguridad**, asegúrese siempre de conectarse a sitios web que u [Más información :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Más información :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### Proveedores de DNS diff --git a/i18n/fa/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/fa/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/fa/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/fa/tools.md b/i18n/fa/tools.md index 47b81a0f..1ab519be 100644 --- a/i18n/fa/tools.md +++ b/i18n/fa/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/fr/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/fr/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/fr/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/fr/tools.md b/i18n/fr/tools.md index 1a04c289..a80b9ff8 100644 --- a/i18n/fr/tools.md +++ b/i18n/fr/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ Si vous recherchez une **sécurité** supplémentaire, vous devez toujours vous [En savoir plus :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[En savoir plus :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### Fournisseurs de DNS diff --git a/i18n/he/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/he/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/he/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/he/tools.md b/i18n/he/tools.md index 50973a0c..b1d00d69 100644 --- a/i18n/he/tools.md +++ b/i18n/he/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [למד עוד :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[למד עוד :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### ספקי DNS diff --git a/i18n/hi/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/hi/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/hi/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/hi/tools.md b/i18n/hi/tools.md index 52a3d3d3..a6b82b1f 100644 --- a/i18n/hi/tools.md +++ b/i18n/hi/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/hu/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/hu/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/hu/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/hu/tools.md b/i18n/hu/tools.md index e6c6df2e..6c32165f 100644 --- a/i18n/hu/tools.md +++ b/i18n/hu/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [További információ :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[További információ :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Szolgáltatók diff --git a/i18n/id/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/id/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/id/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/id/tools.md b/i18n/id/tools.md index ce255617..7d29cc4d 100644 --- a/i18n/id/tools.md +++ b/i18n/id/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Pelajari lebih lanjut :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Pelajari lebih lanjut :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### Penyedia DNS diff --git a/i18n/it/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/it/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/it/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/it/tools.md b/i18n/it/tools.md index 7e6ddc4e..58c4f2bb 100644 --- a/i18n/it/tools.md +++ b/i18n/it/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ Se stai cercando maggiore **sicurezza**, dovresti sempre assicurarti di connette [Scopri di più :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Scopri di più :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### Fornitori DNS diff --git a/i18n/ja/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/ja/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/ja/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/ja/tools.md b/i18n/ja/tools.md index 658dd4de..b0f3d22c 100644 --- a/i18n/ja/tools.md +++ b/i18n/ja/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [詳細 :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[詳細 :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNSプロバイダ diff --git a/i18n/ko/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/ko/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/ko/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/ko/tools.md b/i18n/ko/tools.md index 3e9d2565..4cb9fc32 100644 --- a/i18n/ko/tools.md +++ b/i18n/ko/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [자세히 알아보기 :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[자세히 알아보기 :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS 제공 업체 diff --git a/i18n/ku-IQ/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/ku-IQ/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/ku-IQ/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/ku-IQ/tools.md b/i18n/ku-IQ/tools.md index efe7e514..0d1c8ee1 100644 --- a/i18n/ku-IQ/tools.md +++ b/i18n/ku-IQ/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/nl/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/nl/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/nl/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/nl/tools.md b/i18n/nl/tools.md index 5eabd6f2..249bdb0e 100644 --- a/i18n/nl/tools.md +++ b/i18n/nl/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Meer informatie :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Meer informatie :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/pl/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/pl/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/pl/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/pl/tools.md b/i18n/pl/tools.md index ee4b7cf9..1bbd8aa6 100644 --- a/i18n/pl/tools.md +++ b/i18n/pl/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Dowiedz się więcej :hero-arrow-circle-right-fill:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Dowiedz się więcej :hero-arrow-circle-right-fill:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### Wyszukiwarki #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/pt-BR/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/pt-BR/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/pt-BR/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/pt-BR/tools.md b/i18n/pt-BR/tools.md index 8ddf1075..de91afd7 100644 --- a/i18n/pt-BR/tools.md +++ b/i18n/pt-BR/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Saiba mais :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Saiba mais :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### Serviços DNS diff --git a/i18n/pt/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/pt/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/pt/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/pt/tools.md b/i18n/pt/tools.md index 3e9a5057..f8f8d826 100644 --- a/i18n/pt/tools.md +++ b/i18n/pt/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Saiba mais :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Saiba mais :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### Fornecedores de DNS diff --git a/i18n/ru/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/ru/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/ru/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/ru/tools.md b/i18n/ru/tools.md index ca3e4237..c6c6a47e 100644 --- a/i18n/ru/tools.md +++ b/i18n/ru/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Узнать больше :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Узнать больше :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### Провайдеры DNS diff --git a/i18n/sv/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/sv/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/sv/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/sv/tools.md b/i18n/sv/tools.md index 10c75c31..18e43137 100644 --- a/i18n/sv/tools.md +++ b/i18n/sv/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Läs mer :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Läs mer :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Leverantörer diff --git a/i18n/tr/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/tr/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/tr/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/tr/tools.md b/i18n/tr/tools.md index 207e92c1..ea973d74 100644 --- a/i18n/tr/tools.md +++ b/i18n/tr/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/uk/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/uk/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/uk/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/uk/tools.md b/i18n/uk/tools.md index 5d626345..ac480b30 100644 --- a/i18n/uk/tools.md +++ b/i18n/uk/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/vi/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/vi/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/vi/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/vi/tools.md b/i18n/vi/tools.md index 0254b077..30240b32 100644 --- a/i18n/vi/tools.md +++ b/i18n/vi/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS Providers diff --git a/i18n/zh-Hant/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/zh-Hant/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/zh-Hant/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/zh-Hant/tools.md b/i18n/zh-Hant/tools.md index 38817fb3..efd2cb3a 100644 --- a/i18n/zh-Hant/tools.md +++ b/i18n/zh-Hant/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you are looking for **anonymity**, you should use the Tor Browser. [了解更多 :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[了解更多 :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### DNS #### DNS 提供者 @@ -393,7 +405,7 @@ If you are looking for **anonymity**, you should use the Tor Browser. -[了解更多 :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](document-collaboration.md) +[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](document-collaboration.md) ### 加密軟體 @@ -402,7 +414,7 @@ If you are looking for **anonymity**, you should use the Tor Browser. 若要加密作業系統磁碟，通常建議使用作業系統提供的加密工具，無論是 Windows 的 **BitLocker**、macOS**FileVault** 或 Linux **LUKS**。 這些工具包含在作業系統中，通常使用硬體加密要素，例如 TPM ，而 VeraCrypt 等其他全磁碟加密軟體則不然。 VeraCrypt 仍然適用於非作業系統磁碟，例如外接磁碟，特別是可以從多重作業系統訪問的磁碟。 -[Learn more :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](encryption.md#os-full-disk-encryption) +[了解更多 :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](encryption.md#os-full-disk-encryption) diff --git a/i18n/zh/data-broker-removals.md b/i18n/zh/data-broker-removals.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bc7070ab --- /dev/null +++ b/i18n/zh/data-broker-removals.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: Data Removal Services +icon: material/database-off +description: Our recommended methods for removing your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. +cover: data-broker-removals.webp +--- + +Protects against the following threat(s): + +- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green } + +"People search sites" operated by data brokers represent an immense privacy risk to the majority of Americans. For many, sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, email, and age is a simple internet search away. While there is unfortunately no federal regulation in place to protect your data, many of these companies will remove your information from their _public_ databases upon request. + +:flag_us: **Note:** Many of these tools are only available in the United States, and data brokers collecting, sharing, and selling information from public records and other resources is largely a US-centric issue. In many other regions, your data is already protected via regulations like the GDPR. We will always advocate for similarly strong privacy protections in the United States, but those affected today may still benefit from these "stop-gap" solutions. + +Counterintuitively, removing your personal data on these sites from the internet generally requires _providing_ these companies with your personal data for them to comply with the request. Unfortunately, in most cases it is still worth doing so to minimize the amount of personal data about you which is publicly accessible. + +
+

Try it out

+ +Use your favorite [search engine](search-engines.md) to see if your data is trivially exposed by searching for your name in quotes, plus your general location. For example, search for `"Jane Smith" Chicago IL`. In many cases, you may find your personal information makes up many of the first results. Even if results about you aren't readily available though, you may still be affected. The list of data brokers linked below will provide more places to check whether your data is in any public databases. + +
+ +## Manual Opt-Outs Free + +The quickest, most effective, and most private way to remove yourself from people search sites is to submit opt-out requests manually to each site. This can _seem_ like a daunting task, because there are hundreds of people search sites, but the reality is that the vast majority of these sites are operated by a small handful of companies. + +You should search for your information on these 8 sites first, and submit an opt-out request if your information is found. Removing your data from these providers typically removes your data from many smaller sites at the same time. + +- Acxiom +- BeenVerified +- InfoTracer +- Intelius +- Radaris +- Spokeo +- TruePeopleSearch +- Whitepages + +Once you have done this, it's best to wait a week or two for the requests to propagate to all their sites. Then, you can start to search and opt-out of any remaining sites you find. It can be a good idea to use tools like [Optery](#optery-free-paid)'s free reports or [Google's _Results about you_](#google-results-about-you-free) tool to help find any data that remains on the internet. + +Otherwise, privacy journalist Yael Grauer has compiled an excellent list of data broker sites with direct links to their search tools and opt-out pages. You can take some time to go though each site to determine whether they have your information, and remove it: + +[:simple-github: Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List](https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List){ .md-button } + +If you don't use an automatic scanner to find results about you, consider setting a reminder to re-do this process every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk level and the amount of personal data you have out there. Unfortunately, it is common for your data to re-appear over time or show up on brand new people search sites even after you opt-out. + +## EasyOptOuts Paid + +
+ +![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ align=right } + +**EasyOptOuts** is a $20/year service which will search a number of different data broker sites and automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. They will perform the first search and removal process immediately, and then re-run the process every 4 months in case your data shows up on new sites over time. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://easyoptouts.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://easyoptouts.com/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } + +
+ +Some websites supported by EasyOptOuts are publicly searchable. In those cases EasyOptOuts will perform a search and only submit an opt-out request if your personal data is already found, to prevent sending your data in an opt-out request to sites that didn't have it already. However, they do support some sites which are not publicly searchable, and in those cases your data will be sent to them in an opt-out request regardless, in case you are in their private databases. + +Our testing indicates that EasyOptOuts provides the best value out of any data removal service we've tested, with a very affordable price and high effectiveness. We will publish a detailed review of EasyOptOuts on our blog in the near future and update this page when it is published. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that EasyOptOuts is one of the top performing data removal services. + +## Optery Free & Paid + +
+ +![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ align=right } + +**Optery** is a free scanning tool which will discover which people search sites have your personal information, provide you with a report of those sites, and link you directly to the self-service removal process to do manually. If you keep your account, the report will be updated quarterly. Optery also has paid plans available where they will submit opt-out requests automatically on your behalf. + +[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://optery.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-eye-16:](https://optery.com/privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://help.optery.com){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +Optery's free scanning tool is an effective way to discover which data brokers have your information already, and their self-service dashboard allows you to easily submit opt-out requests manually. + +We have not finished testing Optery's premium, _automatic_ opt-out plans, although initial results appear to be positive. [Independent findings from Consumer Reports](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/consumer-reports-evaluating-people-search-site-removal-services/19948) also indicate that Optery is one of the top performing data removal services. It necessarily takes at least a few months for us to evaluate a new data removal service, so check back here soon for our own test results. We will also publish a detailed review of Optery's full service on our blog when we have completed testing, and we will update this page accordingly. + +## Google _Results About You_ Free + +This method will require you to submit your personal information to Google for them to periodically monitor their search results for. Google claims to not use the information provided to this tool to "personalize your experiences" across other Google products. + +
+ +![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ align=right } + +**Results about you** is a free tool which helps you discover whether your personal contact information, including your home address, phone number, and email address, appears in Google search results. If any personal information is found, you can request its removal. + +[:octicons-globe-16: Open Web Tool](https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you){ .md-button .md-button--primary } +[:octicons-info-16:](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076){ .card-link title=Documentation} + +
+ +In many cases, a Google search is the first place a potential stalker or abuser would look to find your personal information, which could make using it a worthwhile trade-off. However, this tool does not remove your information from the discovered websites themselves, only their listings on Google. You should still consider manually opting out from the results which are discovered, or using another service which automatically opts you out from those sites directly. + +You can add up to 3 addresses, 3 phone numbers, and 3 email addresses to your Google account to monitor for. The service is only available in select markets (initially the US and UK) to users over 18. + +When results are found, they will be available for review in this web tool. You can also optionally receive an email notification delivered to the account's Gmail address that lets you know when new results are found. You will then be able to click **Request to remove** on each discovered listing, and Google will review the request. + +In our testing, this tool worked to reliably remove people search sites from Google search results, but was not effective against websites that showed _corporate_ filing information, even if you used your personal address to register a company, nor was it effective against social media profiles. diff --git a/i18n/zh/tools.md b/i18n/zh/tools.md index fbd7f686..938801bd 100644 --- a/i18n/zh/tools.md +++ b/i18n/zh/tools.md @@ -269,6 +269,18 @@ If you're looking for added **security**, you should always ensure you're connec [了解更多 :hero-arrow-circle-right-fill:](cloud.md) +### Data Removal Services + +
+ +- ![EasyOptOuts logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/easyoptouts.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [EasyOptOuts](data-broker-removals.md#easyoptouts-paid) +- ![Optery logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/optery.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Optery](data-broker-removals.md#optery-free-paid) +- ![Google logo](assets/img/data-broker-removals/google.svg){ .twemoji loading=lazy } [Google *Results about you*](data-broker-removals.md#google-results-about-you-free) + +
+ +[了解更多 :hero-arrow-circle-right-fill:](data-broker-removals.md) + ### 云存储 #### 加密DNS代理