Stop Digital Footprints: The Ultimate Guide on How to Remove Your Personal Information from the Web
With the vast amount of information available on the internet, it is easy for anyone to find out personal information about an individual. This can be a major concern as it leaves individuals vulnerable to cybercrime and identity theft. In this article, we will provide you with the ultimate guide on how to remove your personal information from the web.
Step 1: Assess your digital footprint
The first step to removing your personal information from the web is to assess your digital footprint. Your digital footprint is the trail of data that you leave behind whenever you use the internet. This includes your social media profiles, online accounts, and any other information that is publicly available online.
Start by conducting a Google search of your name and any aliases you may use. Look for any mentions of your name, email address, phone number, and any other personal information that could be publicly available. Take note of the websites that display this information.
Step 2: Remove information that you control
After assessing your digital footprint, the next step is to remove any personal information that you control. Start by deleting any old social media profiles that you no longer use. Ensure that you have deactivated and deleted your accounts on these platforms.
You can also remove any personal information from online directories, such as Whitepages or Yellowpages. Even if you have never visited these sites, they may still have your information listed.
Step 3: Request removal of information from websites
If removing personal information that you control does not completely remove all your personal information, the next step is to request the removal of your information from websites directly. You can identify the website’s contact information by looking at its About page or Contact Us page.
Send an email requesting for the removal of your information, clearly stating what information you would like to be removed. This is not always guaranteed, and some websites may ignore the request. However, it’s always worth trying.
Step 4: Hire a professional service
If you find that your personal information is still publicly available after steps 1-3, consider hiring a professional service. These companies specialize in removing personal information from websites and the internet. Services like DeleteMe, Privacy Duck, and Abine offer comprehensive services which can help you remove your personal information from the web.
Conclusion
Removing your personal information from the web can be a tedious and time-consuming process. However, by following these steps, you can minimize or eliminate your digital footprint. Remember to regularly monitor your online presence and take action immediately if you find any personal information that should be removed. Protect yourself from cybercrime and identity theft by being mindful of what personal information you share on the internet.
