Many people are unaware of how much information is available about them online. A simple Google search may reveal social media profiles, public records, and forum posts, but this is just the surface. Data brokers go even further, gathering information from browsing history, purchase records, loyalty programs, and public documents such as birth and marriage certificates. This data is then packaged and sold to interested buyers, creating a detailed digital profile of individuals without their explicit consent.
Data removal services work by identifying where a person’s data is stored, sending removal requests to brokers, and ensuring that information is deleted from their records. These services automate the process, saving users the time and effort required to manually request data removal from hundreds of sources. Some of the most well-known data removal services include Incogni, Aura, Kanary, and DeleteMe. While each service may have a slightly different approach, they generally follow a similar process. Users provide their personal details, such as name, email, and address, to the data removal service.
The service then scans databases of data brokers and people-finder sites to locate where personal information is being stored. Automated removal requests are sent to these brokers, requesting the deletion of personal data.
While some brokers comply with these requests quickly, others may take longer or resist removal efforts. A reliable data removal service provides transparency about the process and expected timelines, ensuring users understand how their information is being handled.
Data brokers profit immensely from selling personal data, with the industry estimated to be worth over $400 billion.
Major players like Experian, Equifax, and Acxiom collect a wide range of information, including addresses, birth dates, family status, hobbies, occupations, and even social security numbers. People-finding services, such as BeenVerified and Truthfinder, operate similarly by aggregating publicly available data and making it easily accessible for a fee. Unfortunately, this information can also fall into the hands of bad actors who use it for identity theft, fraud, or online stalking.
For individuals concerned about privacy, data removal services offer a proactive way to reclaim control over personal information. Journalists, victims of stalking or abuse, and professionals in sensitive industries particularly benefit from these services. However, in an age where data collection is a persistent and lucrative business, staying vigilant and using trusted privacy tools is essential for maintaining online anonymity.
