How to Delete Your Personal Information From the Internet

Imagine your life story on a giant bulletin board online—photos, addresses, phone numbers, everything!

This "online footprint" can be helpful, like helping friends find you on social media. But sometimes, it can also cause serious problems such as identity theft. Therefore, you (should) might want to take control and clean up some of that information off the internet.

This article will walk you through the process of removing your personal information from the Internet in an understandable manner!

• Privacy Matters:

Just like you wouldn't want your entire life story plastered on an actual billboard, you might want more control over what information appears about you online.

• Outdated Information:

Even if it's not about privacy, as you grow and change, some online information might be outdated, like an old email address or childhood photos you don't want everyone to see.

• Security Risks:

Giving up too much personal information online can open you to fraud and identity theft. Think of it as leaving your front door open—not very safe!

• Social Media Spring Cleaning:

You can remove previous posts and images from social media sites or altogether abolish your account.some text

• Think Before You Post:

In the future, consider what information you share publicly on social media.

• Search Engine Scrub Down:

Search engines like Google can show information about you from various websites. You can request that search engines remove outdated or inaccurate information from their results. This process is called "deindexing." Note: Search engines can't remove information directly from the original websites but can stop showing it in search results.

• Privacy Settings:

Most websites and online services offer privacy options, which allow you to choose who can view your information. Take some time to explore these settings and adjust them to your comfort level.

• Reputation Management Services:

Consider using services like DeleteMe or PrivacyDuck, which can help remove your information from various websites and databases.‍

• Browser Extensions:

Use extensions like Privacy Badger and Ghostery to block trackers and protect your online activity.

• "Opt-Out" Lists:

Many companies offer ways to "opt out" of receiving their marketing emails or sharing your information with third parties. Look for unsubscribe buttons or links on their websites.

• Data Broker Detectives:

Data brokers collect and sell personal information. Some data brokers allow you to opt out of having your information listed in their databases. Some websites can help you find data brokers and their opt-out procedures.

• Website Removal Tools:

Some websites offer tools for users to remove their information. For example, social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn have options to delete or deactivate accounts.

• Make a List:

List all the websites and online services where you believe your personal information might be present. It could include social media platforms, online directories, shopping websites, etc. You can do this by simply making a Google search to see the information publicly accessible.

Bonus Tip: Use Google Alerts to monitor the web for new mentions of your name.

• Review Privacy Settings:

Visit each website on your list and review its privacy settings. See what information it has stored about you and how it's being used. Modify your privacy preferences to restrict who has access to your data. The next step is to delete the data yourself or reach out to the website owners for the data removal.

• Delete Old Accounts:

Consider deleting old accounts you no longer use entirely. It might involve logging in and finding a "delete account" or "deactivate account" option.

• Request Data Removal:

Some websites allow you to request that they remove your personal information entirely. It often involves contacting their customer support and making a specific request.

• Deindex from Search Engines:

Search engines like Google offer methods that you can use to request the removal of inaccurate or out-of-date content from their search results.

• Legal Options

n some jurisdictions, like the European Union, you can exercise your "Right to Be Forgotten" to request the removal of personal data from the internet.

• Be Careful What You Share Online:

Consider it before disclosing any personal information online, especially on social media or in open forums. Remember, it can be difficult to erase once something is online.

• Strong Passwords:

Ensure each password you use for an online account is solid and distinct. It will help protect your data and thwart unauthorized access.

• Beware of Phishing Scams:

Phishing scams are emails, texts, or phone calls that trick you into giving out your personal information. Be suspicious of urgent messages or ask for your information immediately. Never open attachments or links from shady emails.

• Share with Care:

Before posting anything online, consider who might see it and how it might be perceived.

• Use Separate Accounts:

Consider having separate accounts for personal and professional use. It can help you control what information you share with different audiences.

• Privacy Checkups:

Many social media platforms offer periodic privacy checkups. These might assist you in checking that your privacy settings are appropriate for your comfort level.

‍

• "I can't find a way to delete my account!":

Some websites make it difficult to delete your account. Don't give up! Try searching online for specific instructions on deleting an account for that particular website. For help, you can also try getting in touch with their customer service.

• "What about information on other people's websites?":

You can't directly control information about you that appears on other people's websites or social media profiles. However, you can try contacting the person who posted the information and politely ask them to remove it. You might have the right to request removal if it's inaccurate or violates privacy laws.

By managing your online presence, you can safeguard your security and privacy. Remember, cleaning up your online information takes time and effort. Still, it's essential to safeguard your personal information in today's digital world. Now, go out there and create a positive online presence that reflects who you are today!

Here are some additional resources for online privacy and security:

• The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): https://www.eff.org/
• The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA): https://staysafeonline.org/
• OnGuardOnline.gov: https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/online-privacy-and-security

Remember: Cleaning up your online footprint is an ongoing process. New information about you might appear online over time. It's a good habit to regularly review your privacy settings and consider additional cleanup efforts as needed.