Personal data removal service recommendations?
Hi! I'm looking for a personal data removal service that will help keep my home address etc. out of online databases (data brokers, etc.) and is not a shady company.
Do you have a service that you like / trust / find value in?
I figure that 1Password fans are privacy-conscious, so I'm posing this question here. 😁
Thanks,
Scott
1Password Version: 8.10.33
Extension Version: 2.23.3
OS Version: Mac OS 14.5
Browser: Safari
Comments
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DeleteMe appears to be reputable and legitimate. Previously, the company sold a Data Brokers Removal service. However, that service has now been suspended and is listed as “coming soon.”
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I use Optery, and have no complaints. A couple of considerations, however. It takes forever to remove even some info. Some Data Brokers are compliant, others stall. Additionally, Data Brokers can put your info right back online after a given period of time...6 months, a year, I don't recall exactly. It's kind of like Wack-a-mole. So, for removal to be successful, you have to probably keep at it...well...forever. Additionally, no one company covers all Data Brokers. So, even if Optery removed all it found, there may be other companies not covered by Optery that still has and publishes your info. I think the best you can do is remove some. Be cautious. I considered Delete Me, but did not sign on with them. Some removal companies exaggerate the number of DBs they cover, other do a blast removal that simply gives your info to DBs that didn't have your info to begin with!! So, lots of research will serve you well. Key Question: Would I do it again--or renew--..eh....maybe..probably. I mean, getting my info of even some sites is a positive. But, I'd realize it's a halfway measure....but, probably better than nothing. Good Luck.
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Hi, Scott….I use Optery and have no complaints. A couple of considerations: It takes quite awhile to remove your data. Some DB comply with removal requests right away….others drag their feet. Additionally, some DBs re-post your info after a given amount of time. Yes, they take it down, but put it back up later. It’s a game of Wack-A-Mole. Further, no removal company covers all DBs. So, even if Optery achieved a 100-percent removal score, my data would still be available though the DBs Optery does not cover. Basically, once you start down this road, you gotta keep at it forever…and even then you won’t achieve a zero foot print. Lastly be cautious of who you sign up with…you’re gonna give them a lot of personal info. Be sure they have good security/encryption and 2FA. Some companies exaggerate the number of DBs they contact. Some companies do a blast removal request, giving your info to DBs who perhaps never had it to begin with!! For what it’s worth, I considered Delete Me, but did not sign with them. A key question: Would I do it again? Or, will I renew at the end of one year. Eh….maybe…probably…perhaps. In for a penny, I guess. However, consider this, I have not enrolled my wife in this service, apparently thinking it’s not worth the money. The removal service companies do work, kinda…it’s just a bit like chasing your tail….forever.
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The removal service companies do work, kinda…it’s just a bit like chasing your tail….forever.
The first step to success is not getting into databases in the first place. Don't enter your personal data into every form and every account profile. These entries multiply into unknown databases silently in the background.
This means to choose services carefully and sometimes not use some cheapest offer but one more expensive, but with a company better known for keeping customer data confident.
If possible and if not required for the proper operation of some account, use made up addresses, names and birthdays. Often companies collect such data for the sake of selling it, but their service don't actually need this data. In this case, make up your data. Usually, just an email address is required for the proper operation of some account. Unless you pay something, in this case you need to enter correct data for making the payment, of course. But don't just enter your payment data into every shop. Find reputable, established, usually older shops.
If something doesn't cost anything, it may be your profile data is what is used as payment. Keep this in mind.
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"Usually, just an email address is required for the proper operation of some account."
Also consider faux email addresses. I use SimpleLogin. Cheap, works great, easy to use. I tried 1PWs implementation of Fastmail's masked email, but wasn't able to make it work as easily as SimpleLogin...of course that just me. Others may have different experiences. Either way, Faux email addys are a great help.
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@mygoodness, thank you for sharing your experience with Optery. The company and the service look impressive. I have created a free (basic) account, and look forward to receiving my "personalized Exposure Report... to see which data brokers are posting your information."
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