There are a few steps you can take to try to remove your personal information from the internet:
1) Search for yourself online and make a list of all the websites where your personal
information appears;
2) Contact the websites directly and ask them to remove your information. This is most
likely to be successful with sites that you have an account with, such as social media or
online marketplaces;
3) Use online privacy tools, such as Google’s Remove Outdated Content tool, to request that
search engines remove certain pages from their search results; and
4) If your information is appearing on a site that you do not have an account with and that
you cannot contact directly, you can try filing a complaint with the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC).
Be aware that complete removal of information from the Internet may not be possible; but you
can limit the visibility of your personal information by using privacy settings and monitoring
your online presence regularly. These steps may take time and not all personal information can
be removed from the internet completely.
How Long Does it Take for My Name and Information to Be Removed From the Internet?
The amount of time it takes for your personal information to be removed from the internet can
vary greatly depending on the specific websites and search engines involved, and the method you
use to request removal. If you are able to contact the website directly and request removal, the
process may be relatively quick, and your information could be removed within a few days.
However, if the website does not have a clear process for removing personal information, or if
the website does not respond to your request, it can take much longer.
If you use online privacy tools, such as Google’s Remove Outdated Content tool, it may take
several weeks or even months for search engines to remove certain pages from their search
results. In some cases, it may be impossible to completely remove your personal information from the internet, as some websites may not be willing or able to remove it. However, even if
you are able to have your personal information removed from one website, it may still appear on
other websites, so it is important to continue monitoring your online presence to catch any new
instances of your personal information appearing online.
What Are Some Services That Assist in Removing My Name and Information From the
Internet?
There are a few services that claim to assist in removing personal information from the internet,
including: (1) Reputation management companies; (2) online privacy services; (3) do-it-yourself
online removal tools; and (4) law firms that specialize in data privacy.
Reputation management companies specialize in helping individuals and businesses manage
their online reputations. They typically offer services such as monitoring the internet for
mentions of your name, identifying and removing negative content, and improving your search
engine rankings. Online privacy services help users remove personal information from data
brokers and other sites that collect and sell personal information. They may also assist with
monitoring your online presence, and provide tools to help protect your personal information.
Do-it-yourself online removal tools can be accessed on different websites. These websites
provide online tools that allow users to identify and request removal of personal information
from various websites. Some examples include Abine’s DeleteMe and ReputationDefender. Law
firms sometimes specialize in data privacy and online reputation management may also assist in
removing personal information from the internet.
