Where your information appears and how to remove it
Your personal information spreads across the internet through several routes: data brokers buy and sell it, websites you signed up for years ago still host it, search engines cache old pages, and social media platforms keep copies even after you delete posts. Removing it completely is not possible, but you can remove it from the places where strangers most easily find it.
The fastest results come from removing your information directly from data broker websites — the companies that collect and sell your name, address, phone number, and sometimes financial details. After that, you can request removal from search engines, delete old accounts you no longer use, and adjust privacy settings on the accounts you keep. Each step takes a different amount of time and effort.
Key Takeaways
- Data brokers like Spokeo, BeenVerified, and Whitepages let you request removal directly from their websites, usually through an opt-out form that takes 10 to 30 days to process.
- Google and Bing let you request removal of specific pages or images from their search results, which typically disappears within days but does not delete the page itself.
- Old accounts on sites you no longer use — email services, forums, shopping sites, social networks — should be deleted rather than abandoned, because they still hold your information.
- Your social media privacy settings control who sees your posts and profile, but do not prevent the platform itself from storing your data.
- Removal is an ongoing task: new data brokers appear regularly, and information you share today will be collected and resold tomorrow.
Removing your information from data broker websites
Data brokers operate removal pages where you can request that your information be taken down. The process is usually free but requires you to prove your identity. Start with the largest brokers: Spokeo, BeenVerified, Whitepages, Intelius, and PeopleFinder. Search your name on each site to see what information they display, then look for an "opt out" or "remove my information" link — typically at the bottom of the page or in a privacy section.
When you submit a removal request, the broker will ask you to confirm your identity by email or by uploading a photo of your ID. This step protects against someone else removing your information without permission. After you verify, the broker usually removes your listing within 10 to 30 days. Some brokers remove information faster if you pay a fee, but the free removal option works — it just takes longer.
Data brokers often re-list your information months or years later when they buy updated data from other sources. Check the sites again every six months to a year. If your information reappears, submit another removal request. Some people set a calendar reminder to check annually.
Removing yourself from search engine results
Google and Bing both let you request removal of specific pages or images from their search results. This does not delete the page from the internet — it only removes the link from search results, so the page is harder to find but still exists if someone knows the direct web address.
To remove a page from Google, go to Google Search Console (search.google.com/search-console), sign in with your Google account, and use the "Removals" tool. Enter the URL of the page you want removed and submit your request. Google typically processes removal requests within days. For Bing, visit the Bing Webmaster Tools (www.bing.com/webmasters) and use the "Remove URL" option.
If the page contains sensitive information like your home address or phone number, you can also ask Google to remove it on privacy grounds. Go to the removal request page (google.com/webmasters/tools/removals), select "Remove information from Google Search," and describe why the information is sensitive. Google reviews these requests individually and may remove the page even if you do not own the website.
Deleting old accounts you no longer use
Websites you signed up for years ago — old email accounts, shopping sites, forums, dating apps — still store your name, email address, phone number, and sometimes payment information. Deleting these accounts removes your information from their servers. Leaving them abandoned means the site keeps your data indefinitely and may sell it to data brokers.
Start with the accounts you remember: old email addresses, social networks you no longer visit, shopping sites where you have not ordered in years, and any forums or communities you joined once and forgot about. Search your email inbox for confirmation messages from sites you signed up for — these often reveal accounts you have forgotten.
Most sites have a "Delete Account" or "Close Account" option in settings or account preferences. Some require you to contact customer service directly. A few sites like Facebook let you choose between deactivating (temporarily hiding your account) and deleting (permanently removing it after 30 days). Choose permanent deletion if you do not plan to return. Keep in mind that some sites delete your visible profile but keep your data for their own records — deletion removes you from their public listings but may not erase everything they stored.
Adjusting privacy settings on accounts you keep
For accounts you use regularly — email, social media, banking, shopping — adjust privacy settings to control who sees your information. On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, you can make your profile private so only people you approve can see your posts and information. You can also limit who sees your email address, phone number, and location.
Go to each platform's privacy or security settings and review what information is public. Look for options to hide your phone number, email address, and location from search results and from people who are not your friends. Turn off features that let strangers contact you or see when you are online. These settings do not prevent the platform from collecting your data — they only control who else can see it.
For email accounts, check whether your recovery phone number and backup email address are visible to others. For shopping sites, review your saved addresses and payment methods — delete old addresses you no longer use. For dating apps and social networks, disable location sharing if you do not need it.
Preventing your information from spreading in the future
Every time you sign up for a website, enter your phone number in a form, or post your address online, that information becomes available for data brokers to collect. You cannot stop this entirely, but you can slow it down by being selective about where you share your details.
Use a separate email address for shopping and signups instead of your primary email. Many email providers let you create multiple addresses for free. When a website asks for your phone number, ask whether it is required or optional — if optional, skip it. Avoid posting your address, phone number, or birth date on social media or public forums. When you do share information, check the site's privacy policy to see whether they sell data to third parties.
Consider using a virtual phone number service like Google Voice for signups and two-factor authentication. These services give you a phone number that forwards to your real phone but keeps your actual number private. This slows down data brokers because they collect the virtual number instead of your real one.
What to do if your information appears in news articles or public records
Some of your information may appear in news articles, court records, property records, or business licenses — sources that data brokers pull from. You cannot remove information from these official sources, but you can request removal from search results if the information is sensitive.
If a news article about you appears in Google search results and you believe it violates your privacy, use Google's removal request tool (described above) and explain why the information is sensitive. Google may remove it from search results even though the article still exists on the news site. For court records and property records, you would need to contact the court or government agency directly — these are public records and removal is usually not possible unless the record was sealed or expunged.
If your information appears in a data broker's results because they pulled it from a public record, removing it from the data broker's site is still worthwhile. The data broker is easier to contact than a government agency, and removal from their site prevents most people from finding the information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to remove information from data brokers?
Most data brokers process removal requests within 10 to 30 days after you verify your identity. Some offer faster removal if you pay a fee, but the free option works — it just takes longer. Search engines like Google remove pages from results within days, but the page itself remains on the internet.
Can I remove my information from Google completely?
No. Google can remove a page from search results, but the page still exists on the website that hosts it. If you own the website, you can delete the page entirely. If someone else owns it, you can only remove it from Google's search results, not from the original website.
Do I need to pay to remove my information?
No. Data brokers, Google, and Bing all offer free removal options. Some data brokers offer paid removal services that work faster, but the free removal works — it takes 10 to 30 days instead of days. Be cautious of services that charge to remove your information; most are unnecessary.
What happens if my information reappears after I remove it?
Data brokers often re-collect your information from other sources and re-list it months or years later. Check the sites every six months to a year and submit another removal request if needed. Some people set annual calendar reminders to check the major brokers.
Will removing my information affect my credit or financial accounts?
No. Removing your information from data brokers and search results does not affect your credit score, bank accounts, or any financial services. Your bank and credit card companies keep your information in their own find systems separate from data brokers.