What you can actually remove from the internet

You cannot delete your name from the entire internet — but you can remove it from the places where strangers find it most easily. Search engines like Google show results from websites you do not control. Data broker sites collect and sell your address, phone number, and sometimes financial details. You can ask Google to remove specific pages, and you can request that data brokers delete your information from their databases. Neither action erases your name everywhere, but both make you much harder to find.

The realistic goal is reducing your visibility in the places that matter: Google search results, people-search sites like Spokeo or BeenVerified, and the background-check databases that employers and landlords actually use. You will spend time on this — it is not a single form — but the work is straightforward and costs nothing.

Key Takeaways

  • Google can remove specific web pages from its search results if the content violates its policies or if you own the page and request removal through Google Search Console.
  • Data broker sites like Spokeo, BeenVerified, and Whitepages have removal request processes on their websites, though you may need to repeat requests every few months as they re-collect your information.
  • Removing your information from one source does not remove it from others — you will need to contact multiple sites separately.
  • You can reduce what information appears about you online by adjusting privacy settings on social media, requesting removal from public records databases, and opting out of data collection where possible.

Removing pages from Google search results

Google does not host most of the pages it shows you — it indexes pages that live on other websites. If you want to remove a page from Google's search results, you have two paths depending on whether you control the page.

If you own the website or page, use Google Search Console. Sign in with the Google account associated with your site, find the "Removals" tool, and request removal of the specific URL. Google will stop showing that page in search results within days. This works for pages on your own blog, your old business website, or any site you have administrative access to.

If you do not own the page — for example, a data broker site is showing your address, or an old news article mentions your name — you can request removal through Google's removal form at google.com/webmasters/tools/legal-removal-request. Google will review your request and may remove the page if it contains private information like your home address, phone number, or financial details, or if it violates other policies. This process takes longer and Google may deny the request if the page is newsworthy or the information is already public record.

Removing your information from data broker and people-search sites

Data brokers collect information from public records, previous addresses, phone directories, and other sources, then sell access to that data. The major sites where your information appears include Spokeo, BeenVerified, Whitepages, PeopleFinder, and Intelius. Each site has its own removal process, and you will need to contact them separately.

Most data brokers have a removal link on their website, usually in the footer or under a "Privacy" section. Click the link, search for your name, and follow the instructions to request removal. Some sites require you to verify your identity by email or phone. The removal usually takes one to two weeks. However, data brokers continuously re-collect information from public records, so your information may reappear months later — you may need to submit removal requests again periodically.

For Spokeo specifically, go to spokeo.com/removal, search for yourself, and click "Remove this listing." For BeenVerified, visit beenverified.com and use their removal tool. Whitepages has a removal option at whitepages.com/name. If a site does not have an obvious removal link, look for a "Contact Us" page and send an email requesting removal of your profile, including your full name and any profile URL.

Handling background-check and employment screening databases

Background-check companies like Checkr, GoodHire, and Clarity use data from public records, court documents, and other sources. These sites typically do not allow public searches of their databases — employers and landlords pay to access them — so your information is less visible to strangers. However, you can still request removal.

Contact the background-check company directly through their website and request deletion of your record. You may need to provide your name, date of birth, and the state where you lived. Some companies will remove information if you request it, while others will only remove records if the information is inaccurate. Keep records of your removal requests in case you need to dispute a background check later.

Reducing information on social media and public profiles

Social media accounts and public profiles are indexed by Google and other search engines. Reducing what appears about you starts with adjusting privacy settings on the platforms you use.

On Facebook, go to Settings > Privacy and change "Who can see your posts?" to "Friends only" or "Only me." This prevents strangers from finding your posts through Google. On Instagram, switch to a private account so only followers can see your posts. On LinkedIn, adjust your profile visibility settings to limit what non-connections can see. On Twitter, you can make your account private, though this prevents anyone from seeing your tweets unless you approve them.

If you have old profiles on sites you no longer use — old Tumblr blogs, abandoned Twitter accounts, outdated LinkedIn profiles — consider deleting them entirely rather than just leaving them inactive. Inactive accounts still appear in search results and may contain outdated information.

Removing yourself from public records databases

Some of your information comes from public records: property ownership, court documents, voter registration, and business licenses. You cannot delete public records, but you can request that certain databases stop displaying them.

If your address appears because you own property, you cannot remove that information — property ownership is public record. However, some states allow you to request a "homestead exemption" or file for address confidentiality if you have safety concerns. Contact your county assessor's office or your state's attorney general to learn what options exist in your area.

For voter registration, contact your local election office and ask whether your address can be marked as confidential. Some states allow this for domestic violence survivors or people with safety concerns. Court records are also public, but you may be able to request that a case be sealed or expunged depending on the type of case and your state's laws — this requires working with an attorney or the court directly.

What to do if your information keeps reappearing

Data brokers and search engines continuously update their databases, so information you remove may reappear weeks or months later. If you find yourself repeatedly removing the same information, consider a few longer-term strategies.

First, reduce what new information gets collected about you going forward. Limit social media sharing, use privacy settings on accounts, and avoid signing up for services that sell data. Second, monitor your online presence periodically by searching your name in Google and checking the major data broker sites every few months. Third, if a particular piece of information keeps reappearing and causes you real harm — for example, an old mugshot or false accusation — you may want to consult with a lawyer about sending a cease-and-desist letter to the site hosting it, or about your state's "right to be forgotten" laws, which vary significantly by state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will removing my information from Google affect my email or other Google services?

No. Removing a page from Google search results does not affect your Gmail account, Google Drive, or any other Google service. You are only removing pages from the search index, not from Google's systems.

Do I have to pay to remove my information from data broker sites?

No. All major data brokers offer free removal requests. Some advertise paid "privacy" services that claim to remove your information faster or more completely, but the free removal process works — it just takes longer and may require you to repeat requests periodically.

Can I remove my information from all search engines at once?

No. Google, Bing, and other search engines have separate removal processes. If you want to remove a page from multiple search engines, you will need to submit removal requests to each one. However, removing a page from Google usually has the biggest impact since Google handles the majority of searches.

What if a data broker site will not remove my information?

If a site refuses removal or does not respond, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also check whether your state has privacy laws that require data brokers to honor removal requests — some states have passed laws giving residents the right to request deletion of personal information.

Does removing my information from the internet protect me from identity theft?

Removing your information from public search results reduces one avenue for identity theft, but it does not prevent it entirely. Identity thieves also use data breaches, phishing, and other methods to steal information. Removing your information is one part of protecting yourself, along with monitoring your credit, using strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication on important accounts.