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Protecting your online privacy and security is a crucial aspect of modern life. With the increasing amount of personal information being shared and stored online, it has become imperative to take control of what information is available to the public. One of the most effective ways to do this is by removing your information from online data brokers.

Identifying the data brokers

The first step in removing your information from online data brokers is to identify which companies have your information. You can use websites like IntelTechniques.com to find out which data brokers are holding your information and how to opt-out of their services.

Opting out

Once you have identified the data brokers holding your information, you need to follow their opt-out procedures. These procedures vary from company to company, but generally, you need to fill out a form or send an email requesting that your information be removed from their database. Some data brokers also have online tools that allow you to manage your information, such as the ability to remove or update specific details.

It is important to keep in mind that removing your information from one data broker may not remove it from all of them. You need to repeat the opt-out process for each company that has your information. This can be a tedious process, but it is important to persist and follow through with each company until your information has been removed from all of them.

A repeatable removal workflow

Use a private tracking sheet for each request. Record the broker, profile URL, exposed fields, request date, verification method, response deadline, confirmation, and next review date.

  1. Search your name, phone number, email addresses, and current and former addresses.
  2. Open the broker’s privacy or opt-out page. Use the smallest amount of identity information needed for verification.
  3. Save the request confirmation and a redacted screenshot of the result.
  4. Recheck the profile after the broker’s stated response period. Check relative and associate profiles too.
  5. Review the same sites every 45 to 90 days. New records or broker feeds may recreate a listing.

The Federal Trade Commission’s people-search guidance says an opt-out stops sale of existing information, but it does not erase public records. The FTC also recommends periodic checks because listings may return.

California residents have an additional route through the California Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform . The California Privacy Protection Agency says registered data brokers must access the platform at least once every 45 days from August 1, 2026, subject to limited exceptions. This route does not cover every public record, news page, relative profile, or site outside the program.

Choosing a paid service

Ask each provider for its current broker list, the number of people-search sites covered, report contents, scan schedule, re-removal policy, renewal price, and data used for identity verification. A service reduces manual work. It does not remove public records or guarantee removal from every site.

2026 Removal Request Checklist

Use a separate email address for opt-out requests when a broker requires contact verification. Share only the information needed to match the listing. Redact confirmation screenshots before storing them. Do not upload identity documents unless the provider explains why the document is required and how long the provider keeps it.

Track each request with these fields:

  • Broker name and profile URL
  • Exposed fields and search terms
  • Request date and confirmation number
  • Stated response period
  • Date of the follow-up search
  • Next review date

The FTC people-search guidance explains the limits of an opt-out. The California Privacy Protection Agency data broker page describes a separate state program for eligible California residents. Review the provider’s current terms before sending personal information.

Wrapping up, removing your information from online data brokers is a critical step in ensuring your online privacy and security. By taking control of what information is available about you online, you can minimize the risk of identity theft, stalking, and other privacy-related issues. For more specific guidance on removing your information from online data brokers, please refer to the resources available at https://inteltechniques.com/data/workbook.pdf and https://simeononsecurity.com/recommendations/privacy/ .