Concerned about your online privacy and wondering how to make your data personal again? You’ve come to the right place!
In this day and age, nothing you do online is truly private and there are data brokers collecting and selling your information at this very moment. While maintaining privacy can seem impossible at times, there are solutions out there that allow you to wrestle back full control of your online identity and keep sensitive information hidden.
DeleteMe is one such service.
It’s a data removal and privacy service that helps clean up and protect personal information. Sure, using it will cost you, but DeleteMe will help you avoid spending days upon days requesting opt-outs from individual data brokers.
But is DeleteMe a service worth your time and money?
Let’s find out!
Key Takeaways
- DeleteMe is a user-friendly service that removes personal information from over 750 data broker sites and provides strong capabilities in terms of online privacy protection.
- It offers flexible subscription plans along with a 7-day money-back guarantee for new users.
- DeleteMe provides comprehensive privacy reports, including quarterly updates, and uses rigorous security measures like data encryption and two-factor authentication to keep user information as safe as can be.
- The service shines in the field of data removal, but privacy protection options can only be described as limited.
- To get the best deal on DeleteMe, use this 20% off coupon >
DeleteMe overview
DeleteMe has been on the scene since 2010 when it was conjured up by the trio of Eugene Kuznestov, Rob Shavell, and Andrew Sudbury.
Though the overall reception was positive, some users claimed that DeleteMe fell short of what its main competitors offered and was subsequently accused of deceptive marketing. Criticism aside, over the last 15 years, this service has become one of the most prominent choices for those looking to wipe their info from data broker sites.
It’s a simple service that caters to users who lack technical skills but want to get the job done. At the moment, it covers over 750 data broker websites, which is enough to offer an overarching data removal. The best news is that the coverage is not limited to the USA alone; it also includes Canada, Germany, UK, Australia, and Italy.
How DeleteMe works
When we say simple, we truly mean it.
Upon signing up and providing your details, the service will use it to track down and remove any private information on data broker websites. Filling out the form initiates an extensive search and if any matches are found, DeleteMe will send opt-out requests automatically.
Within a week, you’ll receive your first privacy report which outlines where your info was discovered, as well as the status of removal requests.
It’s worth noting that for the cleanup process to be successful, you must verify your identity by submitting a government-issued identification document. You may also need to provide DeleteMe with a limited power of attorney, but its sole purpose is to facilitate the removal process, nothing else.
If by chance you come across information on a broker site on your own, you can also submit a custom request, which is a great way to ensure all bases are covered.
Make no mistake – you can do all of this manually. However, it’s truly a herculean task. As such, it’s a lot easier to use data removal services to achieve more thorough and faster results.
DeleteMe pricing plans
The four available pricing plans are catered to users with different needs. Some may describe the price as steep, but DeleteMe does provide plenty of flexibility, allowing you to choose between an annual or biannual subscription.
These are your subscription options:
- One-person subscription: $10.75/mo when billed annually (rounding out to $129 per year) or 8.71/mo billed biennially ($209 per two years). This tier encompasses all the major data broker sites along with public listings (most of which can be removed in days). New opt-outs are consistently added and included with your subscription.
- Two-person subscription: $19/mo annually ($229 per year) or $14.54/mo biennially ($349 for 2 years). As the name suggests, this tier extends the coverage to two people.
- DeleteMe family plan: $27/42/mo annually ($329 yearly) or $20.79/mo biennially ($499 for two years). This is a great fit for families looking to keep their information away from prying eyes.
There are also fully customized plans for businesses. To receive a quote, you should reach out to DeleteMe representatives directly.
Another reason why we can recommend DeleteMe is its refund policy. You can cancel your subscription at any time before your first report is completed and receive a full refund. Even if you decide to cancel after the report is completed, you will receive a refund based on the time remaining in your active subscription.
In other words, even if DeleteMe doesn’t meet your needs, you won’t lose much money.
DeleteMe features
DeleteMe packs plenty of punch combining core data removal services with additional privacy tools for enhancing your overall online security.
Here’s what you’ll get:
Data removal service
DeleteMe effectively reduces your online exposure by removing your information from data broker sites. It uses a manual process for data removal, thus ensuring accuracy. Depending on the broker's website, data removal can vary. Most listings will be busted within a month, but in certain cases, expect to wait up to six weeks for results.
Custom removal requests are another great feature. Simply link the content in question with a screenshot and DeleteMe employees will do their thing. This is super useful as some data listings are hard to find during the regular removal process. All in all, you can be proactive with DeleteMe, which can aid you in removing newer listings as soon as they pop up.
Detailed privacy reports
As mentioned earlier, you’ll receive a privacy report within a week of submitting your data. The report contains a comprehensive overview of the data targeted for removal and the current progress of data cleanup.
Every three months, you’ll receive another report outlining how many listings were removed. That way, you can keep a close look at the status of your online privacy and gauge how worthwhile the service is.
Privacy dashboard
You can also stay informed on your data removal effort through the intuitive dashboard. Real-time information on your privacy status is a welcome addition and the dashboard achieves this perfectly.
You’ll be able to observe analytics on data brokers keeping your data, while also tracking the current progress of the data removal process.
Email masking
This feature generates an alternative email linked to your real account, conveniently hiding your true email. Look at it as a placeholder email that keeps your primary address safe.
Phone masking
Similar to the previous feature, phone masking provides you with disposable phone numbers to use in lieu of your real phone number.
Payment card masking
While this feature is not yet rolled out, it will extend the protection to your payment card and provide you with alternative payment information to hide your actual payment info.
Combine all these and you’ll get a complete suite that allows you to fully protect your privacy when browsing the internet.
Types of data DeleteMe removes
This provider covers a wide range of personal data such as email addresses, birth names, and full names. You can also target aliases, meaning you’re free to submit previous names or contact details. Thus, all possible variations of your personal information can be considered in the removal process.
In addition to data broker sites, DeleteMe tracks social media activity and scours public records, further extending its reach. Because of this broad coverage, DeleteMe is a potent option for keeping your online privacy and data in check.
Security and privacy measures
By employing top-notch security practices, DeleteMe is able to protect your data from various kinds of threats.
Regulatory compliance
DeleteMe complies with AICPA SOC 2 Type 2 requirements, which means its security has been tested and verified multiple times.
The company also relies on consistent external and internal audits to ensure its security procedures and policies are as safe as possible. This is more than necessary in modern times, and it’s a practice employed by other security services such as VPN providers.
DeleteMe also keeps an eye on current cybersecurity dangers and as a result, maintains strict compliance with GDPR, as well as adheres to consumer data and privacy laws passed in the United States.
Data protection
DeleteMe employs multiple encryption protocols to keep your information safe. In addition to 256-bit AES encryption (a gold standard in data encryption), the service also shields your data with TLS 1.2 encryption. This combo is almost impenetrable, so you should have no qualms about giving up your particulars to DeleteMe.
With role-based access and multi-factor authentication, you can rest easy knowing there are different layers of protection between your confidential details and any third parties.
Privacy policy
While DeleteMe doesn’t sell personal information, it must share your details with data broker sites in order to submit opt-out requests. In other words, DeleteMe is transparent with how they use your information, which can’t be said about data brokers.
It’s also important to note that there are instances where they may share the information they store with third parties without your consent. This mainly refers to government requests.
Nevertheless, a huge red flag can be found buried in DeleteMe’s privacy policy where it's revealed that the platform might sell user data in a sale of assets – a term which isn’t clearly defined. The exact scope of this sale is unknown, so we won’t speculate on whether it’s a deal breaker or not – it’s on you to decide if you’re comfortable with your data eventually ending up in the hands of third parties.
We recommend checking DeleteMe’s privacy policy and terms of use to get the full picture.
Threat monitoring
With a system of continuous threat monitoring, DeleteMe takes user security to a whole new level. Technologies like intrusion prevention and a variety of threat detection tools scan network traffic for suspicious activity, allowing the provider to identify potential threats before they become a major issue.
DeleteMe also has a security operations center and a detection and response platform. Put differently, they have security experts on the clock monitoring any threats and conducting analysis of alerts. Since timely detection is integral to circumventing any risks, DeleteMe is a 100% safe choice for users.
See all DeleteMe features here >>
Customer support and user experience
Even if you’re not technically proficient, you’ll still get the ropes quickly with DeleteMe. The general experience can only be described as user-friendly.
First, the dashboard is very intuitive, and you’ll see plenty of helpful tips contained in the online portal that cover all the platform’s functionalities.
Plus, you can always rely on the company’s top-notch customer support. Accessible via phone, email, or a live chat, you’ll have access to a human support team from Monday to Friday (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST). The customer support is also polite, informative, and supportive, so you won’t pull out your hair when reaching out for help.
Competitor comparison
Brimming with features that put the control over your online presence back into your hands, DeleteMe does the trick. Yet, there are plenty of other options worth exploring that offer more value and stronger privacy.
The main alternatives are:
In a head-to-head comparison, Incognito comes out as a better choice. It’s much cheaper ($7.49 per month compared to DeleteMe’s 10.75/mo), and it’s more accessible worldwide. Not only does Incogni rely on automatic recurring requests, but it also supports more data brokers than DeleteMe.
- Optery
While Optery comes with a lower price tag than DeleteMe, their data broker coverage isn’t as sizable. However, this provider offers advanced scanning tools and its premium subscription comes with unlimited custom requests.
- Privacy Bee
If you’re looking for a data removal service that comes with a free version, look no further than Privacy Bee. Besides a streamlined data removal process, you also get a nifty little browser extension that flags suspicious websites.
As you can see, there is no shortage of options. It’s about finding that balance between pricing and quality. Even though Incogni is better and more affordable overall, DeleteMe is characterized by the human touch that’s impossible to find elsewhere.
Verdict: Imperfect yet effective data removal tool
DeleteMe is a respected service hailed for its effectiveness, with many believing it’s worth the price for the peace of mind it provides. Still, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that its main competitors cost less and are much more robust in certain areas.
For instance, DeleteMe doesn’t have a free tier and no round-the-clock customer support, while others like PrivacyBee shine in those areas. Plus, some terms in the privacy policy are concerning, to say the least, as there is a possibility that DeleteMe may share your info with third parties.
Still, the manual removal process and the thorough approach are more than valuable for those who wish to take a proactive approach toward their online privacy. You also can’t beat 15 years of experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of data does DeleteMe remove?
DeleteMe removes sensitive information such as full names, birth dates, email addresses, aliases, public records, and social media activity across a variety of data broker sites.
How does the DeleteMe data removal process work?
DeleteMe manually searches and sends opt-out requests to over 750 data broker sites, thereby deleting them from the internet. This process may take close to a year to fully complete.
What are the pricing plans for DeleteMe?
DeleteMe offers an annual or biannual subscription with a basic plan for one person costing $10.75/mo when billed annually or $8.71/mo biennially. There are also two-person subscriptions and family plans available.
How does DeleteMe ensure data security?
DeleteMe ensures data security by utilizing robust encryption protocols, implementing two-factor authentication, conducting compliance checks, and maintaining continuous monitoring of user data.
How does DeleteMe compare to other data removal services?
DeleteMe is a reliable choice due to its thorough manual removal process and encompassing privacy reports. Although it’s more expensive than its competitors, DeleteMe provides clear results and a human approach that’s rare to find in the industry.
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