Note on Paid Data Removal Services
Services like DeleteMe, PrivacyBee, and Mozilla Monitor offer automated data removal from broker sites and people-search databases. While I haven’t personally used them, many people report positive results and saved time.That said, learning how to do this yourself is a valuable skill. It teaches you how data is collected and shared, helps you stay in control, and costs nothing but your time.
Data Is the New Oil — And You’re the Well
“Ever since the industrial revolution, the world’s most valuable resource has more or less been oil.”
But with the rise of the digital age, that changed. “Technology and the internet have revolutionized society… transforming how people live, work, and communicate globally.” Today, you — or more specifically, your data — have become the most valuable commodity.
The rise of platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), and Instagram made our identities increasingly tied to our online presence:
“If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.”
That product—your data—is now collected, brokered, and sold. And the consequences are real: identity theft, cyberstalking, financial loss, and destroyed reputations.
Why Deleting Yourself from the Internet Matters
Your online presence affects your real-life opportunities.
“One inappropriate or misjudged post can ruin reputations or careers.”
Employers do screen applicants via social media, and advertisers, cookies, and tracking pixels gather your every move for targeted marketing
“Advertisers gain access to your information through cookies… and record your search history for targeted marketing.”
Even worse, your personal data is sold to corporations by data brokers. When these companies are hacked, your information is leaked — resulting in identity theft or worse.
“Victims of online harassment, bullying and stalking are at serious risk. Perpetrators can use this vulnerability to gain their victims’ home, work, college or schooling address.”
Also Read: Residential Solar Faces Collapse as Tax Credit Cuts and Policy Shocks Hit Industry
How to Discover (and Shrink) Your Digital Footprint
Start simple: Google yourself.
Search your name, email, and usernames on major engines. Check for old posts, profiles, and forum entries. Then move to this tool:
“Google offers a free service called ‘Results About You’… [which] can scan the internet for your name, email address, phone number, and home address stored in public databases.”
But be warned:
“’Results About You’ only removes personal data from Google’s search results and not from the data brokers’ sites themselves… Google’s economy is data.”
How to Check for Leaks and Breaches
“Data breaches are becoming commonplace on the internet.”
Cybernews reported 16 billion login credentials leaked:
- Have I Been Pwned to check email and phone number breaches
- Change your passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Delete unused accounts
Locking Down Social Media and Google
1. Google Accounts
Use the Privacy Checkup tool. Turn off:
- Search history recording
- Location tracking
- Device activity logging
“Google offers a deletion service that can completely erase your account.”
2. Social Media
“Social media platforms are treasure troves for data collectors.”
To reduce your digital footprint:
- Adjust privacy settings
- Remove personal details
- Delete accounts (after downloading any data you want to keep)
Platform-specific tips:
- Facebook: Use the Privacy Checkup tool, limit search visibility, turn off location tracking, manage ad preferences.
- Instagram: Make your account private, hide activity, disable location access, use two-factor authentication.
- X (formerly Twitter): Audit app access, enable 2FA, manage ad personalization, download your archive.
- TikTok: Request deletion of advertiser-shared info, manage privacy settings.
- Bluesky: Hide your profile from logged-out users with “Logged out Visibility”.
Removing Old Accounts and Forgotten Profiles
Go through your email inbox or password managers to find:
- Old forum accounts
- Blog comments
- E-commerce profiles
Where possible, delete or edit those contributions. If not,
“Contact site administrators directly and request removal.”
You can also opt for paid privacy services like:
- DeleteMe
- Mozilla Monitor
- PrivacyBee
“These services can help remove your personal information from data broker sites and people-search databases.”
Going forward, use privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo to avoid tracking.
How to Permanently Delete Social Media Accounts
If you’re committed to a full wipe:
- Facebook: Settings > Deactivation & Deletion
- X: Deactivate account (auto-deletes after 30 days)
- Instagram/TikTok: Account Settings > Delete/Deactivate
“Always download and store all your data. This action is often irreversible.”
Bonus: Using VPNs and Tor for Greater Anonymity
“A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address.”
Stick to paid VPNs — free ones may sell your data. For the most serious privacy:
“Consider using the Tor network, which routes your traffic through multiple nodes and blocks most trackers.”
And no, Tor isn’t just for hackers:
Note on Using Tor
Some websites block Tor traffic: While Tor is excellent for anonymity, many websites and online services actively block Tor users to prevent spam, abuse, or fraud. This can result in account bans, restricted access, or CAPTCHA loops.May trigger security flags: Logging into your email, bank, or social accounts through Tor can look suspicious and trigger security alerts or lockouts, especially if the IP address appears to jump countries suddenly.
“The dark web is a tool for activists, journalists, and civilians who may live in authoritarian regimes.”
When Total Deletion Isn’t Possible
“Sometimes, it’s impossible to delete every trace of yourself online.”
In that case:
- Remove as much info as you can
- Use aliases and generic photos
- Deactivate unremovable accounts
- Change personal details
- Monitor search results regularly for new leaks
Final Word:
“While deleting yourself from the internet completely is somewhat impossible, proactive management of your data and privacy settings can protect you from many common risks.”
The digital world might not let you fully disappear. But with the right tools, steps, and persistence—you can take back control.
