Data Removal is the act of requesting data to be removed from data broker databases. Some well known Data Broker websites, also called People Search websites, are thatsthem.com and truepeoplesearch.com. (Be careful of trackers & cookies if visiting these websites.) There are 1,000+ data broker websites that profit by invading the privacy of individuals and offering that information to others without that individual’s knowledge. This is legal on a global scale; there are minimal to no consumer data privacy laws in most countries.

In recent years, more people have become aware of this lack of privacy protection. Some new data privacy laws have been introduced due to this increasing awareness, and there is now a market for the time-consuming task of requesting individuals’ data to be removed from these data brokerage websites. The most popular data removal websites include Incogni and DeleteMe; there is a popular Reddit post that breaks down each one by cost and services offered. (The post shares a Google sheet, be careful as other viewers may see your email when you click it.)

Each company is unique in what it offers: there is a lot of space for different services to be offered since such lacking legal protection leads to a population with many needs. Data Removal is essentially the cleanup task-force for the many, many leaks the average individual leaves behind just through existing.

In order to remove personal information from the internet, if you use a Data Removal service, you need to provide those intimate details to the company you choose.

In his book Extreme Privacy, Michael Bazzell states that you should not trust anyone else with that personal information, no matter how much you trust them. Due to the nature of the internet, it’s nearly impossible to confirm that information sent to another party is only accessed by that party. So even if the individual(s) conducting the service are trustworthy, they rely on systems and tools to conduct their work that may be open to breaches. Bazzell recommends removing the data yourself rather than using a service. He even created a work-book to make it easier for his readers to do themselves.

Data Brokers Watch is a non-profit organization that equips website visitors with free data privacy information resources. They have compiled a large database of 1,000+ data brokers located all over the world. They share information regarding what privacy laws apply to visitors, and stated they would potentially support pending privacy legislation they are made aware of. They also offer a removal request tool that will email data broker companies customizable deletion requests through their website. This seems like a more thorough approach to this issue, seeking a permanent solution.

Many data broker websites do not offer the option to permanently delete data, and removal requests typically expire after three months. So when submitting data removal requests, be prepared to check the databases 4 times a year. This is time consuming and menial, which is why many people choose to hire a service instead. However, over time, it may require fewer and fewer requests – making the service unnecessary. Keeping tabs on exactly who has your information, and being motivated to pursue more permanent solutions is probably the greatest benefit to doing your own data removal.

Some more prominent data brokers feed data down to subsidiary data brokers, and likewise the removal requests sent to the original data broker will have a ripple effect of data removal. So, even if your data is found on hundreds of websites, it may only take a few removal requests to get that data removed.

While removing my own data, I saw private information for others that I care about (including a family member who paid for a popular data removal service) and started to remove theirs as well. This has grown into a large project for me, and I can’t consider it personal at this point. This is what led to me offering limited packages for Data Removal through Vermillion Dreams. I do not see this becoming a major focus, as the ultimate purpose of Vermillion Dreams is to empower working class individuals through information. However, since I have found and developed trustworthy tools for myself to use, I decided to post what data removal packages I can offer at this time on my website. I will continue to share information and resources as I learn more throughout this process.

What we really need is an ongoing conversation regarding data privacy, and for many people to speak more openly about their experiences. In addition to experiences like fraud, scams, or doxing, I hope we can also have experiences of community. Of coming together and sharing resources and tips relating to data privacy; developing systems to protect our data and the data of those we care for. Through this engagement, we can push for better privacy protection laws and leave the digital world a better place for those to come.

Written by Lux Holm–

Vermillion Dreams is a project seeking to empower working class individuals through sharing information. Follow along as I share what I learn about data privacy, mental/emotional hygiene, and permaculture.