5 Best Data Removal Services in 2024 (Disappear Online)

In an age characterized by rising digital risks and increasing cyberattacks, protecting your online privacy is more critical than ever. Whether it's safeguarding sensitive information from prying eyes or thwarting the persistent efforts of data brokers, securing your digital footprint is an essential step toward maintaining your online privacy and peace of mind. But is there an easy way to take back control of your online presence and secure your personal information?

Yes, and it includes data removal tools and services, which can help you do just that. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll equip you with the essential knowledge and tools you’ll need to fortify your digital defenses and regain control over your information. Plus, we’ll also delve into do-it-yourself techniques for deleting your data from data brokers, well, by yourself.

So, if you're ready to take back control of your digital life, let's kick things off.

Top online data removal tools today

In an era where privacy is paramount, a plethora of data removal services have emerged to meet the growing demand. These tools, each with their unique features and strengths, can provide you with the means to reclaim control over your personal data. Let's take a closer look at some of the top players in the field:

1. Incogni – Developed by the team behind the popular VPN service Surfshark, Incogni is a simple-to-use solution that focuses on efficient data removal across a wide network of platforms (50% off coupon)
2. DeleteMe – A popular choice that offers a wide variety of features and services designed to protect your privacy and keep your personal data away from data brokers and people search sites.
3. Optery – A comprehensive tool that prioritizes the secure erasure of data from various databases, helping users regain control of their online information.
4. Privacy Bee – Known for its robust digital footprint cleanup, Privacy Bee goes the extra mile to ensure your data is not only removed but also remains off data brokerage sites.
5. Hello Privacy – A user-friendly tool that offers plans to meet the needs of both individuals and businesses.

While these tools vary in their offerings, they all aim to free your data from data brokers and protect your privacy.

Key Takeaways

• Data removal services are your go-to solutions to help keep your privacy intact and lower the risk of identity theft.

• DIY data removal techniques let you take the reins of your online privacy without relying on third-party services.

• When picking a data removal service, don't forget to consider how effective it is, what security measures it takes, its pricing, and how helpful its customer support is. All these factors will ensure you get the best value for your money.

After all, safeguarding your data is about more than just keeping secrets. It's taking control – deciding who gets in, what you share, or even wiping your digital footprint clean.

What are data removal tools and services?

You could imagine data removal tools and services as your personal online bodyguards. Acting like knights in shining armor in the digital world, they're there to help you regain control over your personal information.

These services work round the clock, scanning the internet for your personal details, reaching out to websites and databases that have your information, and requesting data removal. All of this happens with one goal – to actively protect your privacy and drastically reduce the risk of identity theft.

However, it's important to remember that these services, while particularly helpful, can't promise absolute privacy or security. For instance, these services may not cover some websites and databases, like those pesky social media accounts. And, despite their best efforts, some of your information might still be accessible online.

So, while data removal tools are a powerful ally in your quest to vanish from the internet, they're not a silver bullet.

What are data brokers and how do they get my personal information?

Data brokers are the unseen players in the online world, collecting, analyzing, and selling your personal information without your consent. They gather information from various sources, including public records and social media accounts. Data brokers collect information that can be used for targeted advertising, recruitment, financial information brokerage, and even people finder sites, raising concerns about privacy and safety.

To protect yourself from these data-hungry brokers, you can use a combination of data removal services and DIY techniques, such as:

• Contacting data brokers directly

• Adjusting your social media privacy settings

• Employing browser extensions and privacy tools

• Using privacy-focused web search engines

By taking control of your online presence, you can minimize the impact of data brokers on your life and reduce the risk of identity theft.

Now, let’s take a deeper look at each of our top picks.

Incogni – User-friendly and effective data removal service

Plans and pricing

• Annual plan – priced at $7.49 per month, billed annually.
• Monthly plan – costs $13.39 per month.
• Deal: Get 50% off Incogni here >>

Incogni is a data removal service built from the ground up by the team behind Surfshark, a popular VPN service. It offers an efficient and user-friendly way to regain control over your personal information online.

Incogni works round the clock to remove your information from hundreds of online databases. But it doesn't stop there. It also monitors data brokers to ensure your information stays off these databases, giving you peace of mind.

For pricing, Incogni offers two plans. You can opt for the one-year plan at $7.49 per month, billed annually, or go for the more flexible monthly plan at $13.39 per month. To make the deal even sweeter, Incogni offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try their service risk-free for a month and decide if it suits your needs.

Incogni does have one drawback, as it doesn't provide detailed reports on the personal information discovered during the data removal process. This could leave some users wishing for more transparency and insight into the specific data that the service handles.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a user-friendly and comprehensive data removal service backed by a reputable team, Incogni is a solid choice.

For more details, take a look at our hands-on Incogni review.

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DeleteMe – Ideal choice for comprehensive privacy reports and cool extra features

Plans and pricing

• Personal – $129 per year for a single user.
• Family – $229 for a year for two adults.
• Family Plus – $349 for one year for two adults and up to two children.
• Deal: 20% off DeleteMe here >>

DeleteMe, with its team of privacy experts, works tirelessly to remove your personal information from various data broker websites. This is not a one-time clean-up – DeleteMe provides round-the-clock monitoring to ensure your data doesn't pop back up on these sites.

DeleteMe has an extensive reach across data brokers, ensuring comprehensive removal of your data from numerous databases. This comprehensive approach makes DeleteMe a strong ally in your fight against data brokers.

In terms of pricing, DeleteMe offers a yearly subscription for a single user at $129. This makes it a cost-effective choice for those looking to protect their privacy without breaking the bank. They also offer family plans, which are perfect for households looking to secure their collective online privacy.

DeleteMe goes the extra mile to protect your online privacy. Through their comprehensive privacy reports, you gain crucial insights into your digital presence. These reports detail the number of listings reviewed, ongoing removals, and the data broker sites where your information is found, keeping you informed and in control. Plus, you'll get some excellent extra features such as a custom removal requests option and email and phone masking.

On the downside, DeleteMe's policy about potential data sales under the “sale of assets” term raises a significant concern. While the exact implications of this phrase remain unclear, it's essential to note that DeleteMe might also share user data in an anonymized manner, which could be worrisome for privacy-conscious users.

In conclusion, DeleteMe provides a robust and well-rounded data removal service. It's a rock-solid tool for anyone looking to regain control over their personal information and enhance their online privacy.

Explore our in-depth DeleteMe review to learn more.

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Optery – Great all-around data removal service

Plans and pricing

• Free Basic – offers self-service opt-outs.

• Core – comes at $3.99 per month (or $39 billed yearly) and covers removal from 110+ sites.

• Extended – costs $14.99 for one month (or $149 billed yearly) and supports removal from 170+ sites.

• Ultimate – is priced at $24.99 for a month (or $249 billed yearly) and can remove your data from 270+ sites.

• Family – you can add family members to your plant at up to 30% off.

Optery's coverage is extensive, spanning over 270 data brokers and people search sites, which ensures that your data is removed from a majority of databases. This significantly reduces the chances of your personal information falling into the wrong hands.

But it's not just about data removal with Optery. It also offers a free plan that allows you to see most locations where your personal data is listed online. This is a fantastic feature as it provides a level of transparency that is often missing in the world of data privacy.

You can rest easy with Optery's detailed removal report, providing you with a comprehensive overview of the data that has been successfully erased. With a report delivered every 90 days, you’ll stay informed about the status of your data removal efforts, empowering you to make informed decisions about your online presence.

With Optery, you can customize your data removal requests to align with your unique requirements. Whether it's specific data points or comprehensive information removal, Optery offers the flexibility to cater to your personalized data removal needs.

What sets Optery apart is its dedication to keeping your data secure. They use AES-256-bit encryption, which is as secure as it gets, to protect your data while it's stored in their system. This means that while your data is being wiped from the web, it's safe and sound, out of reach from any unwanted parties.

In short, Optery is a one-stop-shop for data removal. They not only remove your data, but they do it transparently and securely, providing peace of mind in the process.

To find out more, check our comprehensive Optery review.

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Privacy Bee – Your robust digital footprint cleanup service

Plans and pricing

• Pro – priced at $197 per year.

Privacy Bee covers over 350 data broker sites, working tirelessly to remove your data from these databases. Not only does it remove your data, but it also ensures that your data isn’t re-added, providing you with long-term protection against data brokers.

In addition to its data removal services, Privacy Bee also offers protection against dark web threats. It keeps an eye out for any of your personal information that might surface on the dark web, adding an extra layer of security to your online presence.

One of the standout features of Privacy Bee is its anti-tracking browser extension. This extension blocks trackers as you browse the web, preventing websites from collecting your personal information and enhancing your online privacy. We see the same feature with Surfshark and NordVPN.

Privacy Bee's email scan feature offers users the power to regulate access to their contact information. By conducting an in-depth analysis of your mailbox, it identifies the companies you interact with and allows you to control which ones have access to your details. Although limited to Gmail, Privacy Bee plans to extend this feature to Yahoo and Outlook soon.

While Privacy Bee’s yearly subscription may seem steep at $197, its robust features and comprehensive data removal services make it a worthy investment for those serious about their online privacy. For a further price comparison, see our Optery vs Incogni guide.

To wrap up, if you’re looking for a data removal service that offers comprehensive coverage, robust features, and a commitment to safeguarding your online privacy, Privacy Bee is a solid choice.

Learn more by reading our thorough Privacy Bee review.

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Hello Privacy – The automated powerhouse for data removal

Plans and pricing

• Personal – priced at $13.39 per month or $99.96 if billed annually.

• Privacy as a service – price available upon request.

HelloPrivacy's automated service scans the internet for your personal details, reaching out to websites and databases that have your information, and requesting data removal. This process is done continuously, which ensures that once your data is removed, it stays off these databases.

Still unsure if it is the right choice for you? No worries. They offer a free privacy scan which allows you to see how HelloPrivacy works to safeguard your online privacy. It's a great chance to try before you buy. Additionally, unlike some other services, HelloPrivacy doesn't offer custom removal requests. This could severely limit your options when it comes to data removal.

On the bright side, compared to other tools such as DeleteMe, HelloPrivacy is quite conservative when it comes to collecting your personal data. You can initiate the scanning process without providing your complete address, birth date, or phone number, especially if you use the homepage method to create your account. However, experts advise including additional information for more accurate results.

What's also reassuring about recommending HelloPrivacy is that it has a strong privacy policy that explicitly states it won't sell your personal information. They maintain transparency by offering a summary at the top of the privacy policy.

In a nutshell, HelloPrivacy is a strong contender if you're looking for an automated and efficient data removal service. With a solid coverage and user-friendly approach, it can help you reclaim control over your personal information and boost your online privacy.

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For a detailed comparison between Incogni and services such as DeleteMe and Privacy Bee, explore our comprehensive guides: Incogni vs DeleteMe and Incogni vs Privacy Bee.

How to choose the right data removal tool for you?

Picking the right data removal tool can feel like a daunting task, given the sea of options out there. But fear not, here are some things to keep in mind to help you make the right choice.

Assessing effectiveness and ease of use

When you're on the hunt for the perfect data removal tool, there are a few key things you'll want to keep in mind. First off, how effective is the tool? Does it do a good job of scrubbing your digital fingerprints off the internet, and does it cover a wide range of data brokers? For instance, Optery has got you covered with about 270 data brokers, but DeleteMe outshines it by covering a whopping 750, which is a lot of digital scrubbing.

Next up, you'll want to think about how easy the tool is to use. After all, you don't want to spend hours on end trying to figure out how to get the darn thing to work, right? You're looking for a tool that's user-friendly and straightforward.

And then there's the matter of key performance indicators (KPIs). These are like the report cards for your data removal service. They can tell you how many data files or records the tool has successfully removed, how long it took to do the job, and how accurately it performed the task. By keeping an eye on these KPIs, you'll have a pretty good idea of whether or not the tool is living up to your expectations.

So, when you're ready to dive into the world of data removal services, remember to keep these factors in mind. They'll help guide you to the tool that's just right for you, ensuring that your online privacy is well-protected.

Check security measures and privacy policy

It's super important to check out the security measures and privacy policies of data removal services before you hand over your personal information. A rock-solid privacy policy means that the tool follows strict guidelines and procedures for handling and deleting your data. It's all about transparency and accountability, giving you the confidence that your data will be properly removed and not misused.

Security measures to look out for include data encryption, secure data transfer protocols, and strict access controls. These all work together to keep your personal information safe and sound during the data removal process.

Compare pricing and plans

When choosing the right data removal service, cost plays a crucial role. It's important to strike a balance between the price and the quality of the service. Some services may offer affordable plans, but they might not provide comprehensive data removal.

On the other hand, some services might be a bit pricier but offer a more thorough data removal process. For instance, DeleteMe offers a yearly subscription for a single user at $129, while HelloPrivacy provides an individual plan for $13.39 monthly (or $99.96 annually). By taking the time to compare the pricing and the plans that various services offer, you can ensure that you're getting the best bang for your buck.

Evaluate customer support

Last but certainly not least, let's talk about customer support. Good customer support can be a lifesaver if you run into any issues or have any questions about the service.

To assess the quality of a data removal service's customer support, consider factors like customer satisfaction, resolution time, response time, communication quality, and the availability of support channels. By choosing a service with reliable customer support, you can rest easy knowing that help will be available when you need it the most.

Why is online data removal important?

Why is online data removal so critical today? Well, think of data brokers as digital pickpockets, quietly swiping your personal information from your pockets without you even realizing it. To keep your online reputation polished and positive, it's important to take action and protect your privacy.

If you turn a blind eye to data removal, you might find yourself facing increased privacy risks, unwanted exposure, and potential harm to your reputation. On the other hand, successfully removing your private data from different websites and databases, including those annoying data broker databases, comes with a bunch of perks.

By taking the time to remove your personal information from various websites and databases, including those pesky data broker databases, you can boost your privacy, reduce the risk of identity theft, and manage your online reputation more effectively.

In short, online data removal is your secret weapon in the game of digital hide and seek, helping you stay a step ahead of the data brokers.

Risks of ignoring data removal

Ignoring the need for data removal is like leaving your front door wide open, inviting anyone to walk in. If your sensitive information is freely accessible online, it can be misused by malicious actors for fraudulent activities such as identity theft, opening credit accounts under your name, or making unauthorized transactions. These activities can result in financial loss, harm to your reputation, and even big data breaches.

In addition, data that isn't removed can be accessed by third parties like data brokers, leading to unwanted exposure and potential privacy risks. This data can be used to target you with ads or sold to other companies.

In summary, neglecting data removal can have severe consequences for your privacy and reputation.

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Benefits of data removal

On the flip side, data removal can be a real game-changer when it comes to protecting your privacy and reputation. By scrubbing personal information from various websites and databases, you get to enjoy increased privacy and a lower risk of identity theft.

Comprehensive data removal services not only remove your data but also provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance, ensuring that your information doesn't resurface on databases over time. This acts as a safety net, preventing any new traces of your data from proliferating across the web.

In a nutshell, data removal is a powerful weapon in your arsenal, helping you secure your online presence and keep those pesky data brokers at arm's length. With its ability to proactively safeguard your privacy, data removal is an essential tool in the modern digital landscape, offering a shield against the ever-present threats to your personal information.

DIY data removal techniques: How can you remove your data for data brokers?

If you’re a hands-on type of person or simply looking for more control over your data removal process, you may be interested in DIY data removal techniques. These methods can help you remove your personal information from data brokers and other online sources without relying on third-party services.

Before we proceed, here are a few additional steps you can take to enhance your overall online privacy:

Reducing spam and junk mail: Learn effective strategies to minimize unwanted emails and promotional materials flooding your inbox by implementing filters, managing subscriptions, and utilizing anti-spam tools.

Opting out of Whitepages: Take steps to remove your personal information from Whitepages and similar directories, minimizing public exposure of your data.

Stopping robocalls: Explore methods and tools to block automated calls and telemarketing messages, enhancing your phone's security.

Avoiding doxxing: Gain insights into protecting your private information online, understanding the risks and proactive measures to prevent the malicious exposure of personal data, ensuring a more secure digital presence.

Now, let's dive into three DIY techniques you can use to take control of your personal data.

Contacting data brokers directly

If you're looking to take charge of your online privacy, one way to do this is by reaching out to data brokers directly. This means you ask them to remove your personal details from their databases. To do this, you'll need to find the data broker's opt-out form, input your details to locate your record, and then submit a removal request. Some data brokers even offer a support number for removal requests, which can make the process a bit easier.

Sure, this method might require a bit of your time and patience, but it puts you in the driver's seat of your data removal process. Plus, it ensures that your info is removed exactly how you'd like it to be. So, while it might feel like a bit of a chore, remember that it's a crucial step in reclaiming your online privacy.

Managing social media privacy settings

Another DIY technique is to take control of your social media privacy settings. This simple measure can significantly limit the exposure of your personal information online. It's as simple as going to your settings on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram, and making a few tweaks. These adjustments can help you dictate who can view and access your personal information, posts, and activity.

It's a proactive step that not only helps protect your privacy but also prevents data brokers and other third parties from collecting your data. So, by taking ownership of your social media privacy settings, you're taking a big step towards ensuring that your online presence remains private.

Utilizing browser extensions and privacy tools

Lastly, you can further boost your online privacy by using browser extensions and privacy tools. These handy tools can block trackers, encrypt your data, and stop third-party services from profiling you and delivering tailored ads. Some examples of these privacy-boosting browser extensions include AdBlock, uBlock, and Origin. These extensions work to block ads and trackers from websites you visit.

Also, consider using privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo and Brave. These search engines don't collect or track your search history. By making these tools part of your daily browsing habits, you're taking control of your online privacy. This way, you can keep data brokers at a distance and avoid people search sites.

Despite its popularity, Google Chrome has faced frequent scrutiny due to its privacy and security concerns. So, if you're looking for other options, it's worth exploring some of the most secure and private alternatives to Chrome.

The best online data removal tools FAQ

How do data brokers collect personal information?

Data brokers compile personal information from a variety of sources such as public records, social media, and online accounts, creating extensive profiles about individuals. This information can include everything from your name and address to your shopping habits and personal preferences. The compiled data is then often sold to other companies for marketing and advertising purposes.

Can I hire someone to remove my information from the internet?

Yes, with the help of specialized data removal services, you can take a proactive approach to safeguarding your online privacy. Not only do these services save you the time and effort of manually removing your data, but they also provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing your personal information is being professionally managed and protected.

Services such as DeleteMe and Optery are designed specifically to assist individuals in removing their personal information from the internet. These services operate by scouring the web for your personal data, reaching out to the websites and databases that hold your information, and then requesting that your data be removed.

The cost of data removal services can vary widely, depending on the provider and the specific plan you choose. For instance, some services offer monthly plans, while others provide annual subscriptions. Costs typically range from as low as $7 per month to as high as $25 per month.

How do I permanently delete data online?

To ensure you permanently delete data online, you can follow several steps. Start by deleting any social media and online shopping accounts that you no longer use. Next, make sure to utilize security features available on websites, hardware, and apps. You can also request Google to remove your personal information. If you have old email accounts that are no longer in use, remember to delete them. The same goes for any shopping accounts that have been left inactive. Lastly, opt out of people search sites to prevent your information from being easily accessible.

Are data removal services worth it?

When it comes to value for money, services like DeleteMe, Optery, Privacy Bee, Incogni, and HelloPrivacy are all strong contenders. For instance, DeleteMe offers the expertise of privacy professionals who tirelessly work to remove your personal details from hundreds of data brokers every few months.

For instance, Optery offers extensive coverage, removing your data from over a impressive number of data brokers. Privacy Bee stands out with its robust digital footprint cleanup, ensuring your data remains off data broker sites. Incogni, developed by the team behind Surfshark, offers a user-friendly and efficient data removal service. Lastly, HelloPrivacy is notable for its automated data removal process that covers a decent range of data brokerage sites.

So, no matter which service you opt for, you can rest assured that your privacy is safeguarded without breaking the bank.

Conclusion: Choose the right online data removal tool today

To sum it up, it's important to remember that picking the right online data removal tools is a critical step in protecting your privacy and keeping your online reputation spotless. It's not as daunting as it may seem if you keep a few key factors in mind.

Look for a service that is effective in doing what it promises – removing your data from the web. Make sure it has strong security measures in place and a transparent privacy policy. Consider the pricing and whether it fits your budget. And lastly, don't overlook the quality of customer support – it's always reassuring to know help is at hand when you need it.

Our top recommendation remains Incogni, but any of the services recommended in this guide may meet your needs.

The fight for online privacy is an ongoing battle, and staying vigilant is key to keeping your personal information safe from prying eyes. So, make the smart choice and invest in a data removal service that’s right for you. After all, your privacy and reputation are worth it.

In this guide, we explored the significance of data removal tools and services, delved into the world of data brokers, and discussed the importance of online data removal in protecting your privacy and reputation. We also compared the top online data removal tools, such as Optery, DeleteMe, Privacy Bee, Incogni, and HelloPrivacy, and tried to help you choose the right service for your needs. Additionally, we shared DIY techniques for removing your data from data brokers.

In today’s digital world, taking control of your online presence is more important than ever. Thankfully, with the right tools and techniques, you can safeguard your privacy and reputation for years to come.

This guide on the best data removal services was last updated on November 25, 2024.