You cannot remove all your information from the internet, but you can remove it from most places that matter
Your personal information is scattered across the internet in places you never put it there — data broker websites, old social media posts, public records, and search engine caches. You cannot delete it everywhere at once, and some of it (like court records or property ownership) will stay public by law. But you can remove your information from the sites where it causes the most problems: data brokers that sell it, search results that rank it high, and old accounts you no longer use.
The process takes time because there is no single button. Instead, you contact each site individually and ask them to remove your information. Some sites do this automatically. Others require you to prove who you are. A few will ignore you. This guide walks you through the sites worth targeting first, how to contact them, and what to expect when you do.
Key Takeaways
- Data broker websites (like Whitepages, BeenVerified, and Spokeo) are the fastest places to remove your information because they have removal processes built in.
- Google Search can remove your information from its results even if the original website keeps it, using Google's removal tool.
- Social media sites let you delete old posts and deactivate accounts, which removes your profile from public view but may not delete archived copies.
- You will need to repeat removals every few months because data brokers re-collect your information from public records.
- Court records, property ownership, and government documents stay public by law and cannot be removed through these methods.
Remove yourself from data broker websites first
Data brokers collect your name, address, phone number, and sometimes email from public records and other sources, then sell access to that information. Sites like Whitepages, BeenVerified, Spokeo, and TruthFinder make money by letting anyone search for you. These are the easiest places to remove your information because they have removal pages built into their websites.
Start by searching for yourself on each site. Go to Whitepages.com, BeenVerified.com, Spokeo.com, and TruthFinder.com and type in your name and city. If you appear in the results, look for a link that says "Remove my information" or "Privacy request" — it is usually at the bottom of your profile or in the site's footer. Click it and follow the instructions, which typically ask you to confirm your identity by email or phone. Most sites remove your information within a few days.
If you cannot find a removal link, look for the site's privacy policy or contact page. Send an email asking them to remove your listing and include your full name, address, and the URL of your profile if you have it. Keep a record of which sites you contacted and when, because you will need to repeat this process every few months — data brokers re-collect your information from public records and add you back.
Remove your information from Google Search results
Even after you remove your information from a website, Google's search engine may still show a cached version of that page in its results. You can ask Google to remove the link without asking the original website to do anything. This is useful when the website ignores your removal request or when you want your information out of search results even if it stays on the original site.
Go to Google's Removal Tool at google.com/webmasters/tools/removals. Sign in with your Google account (create one if you do not have one). Click "New Request" and paste the URL of the page you want removed. Google will review your request within a few days. If approved, the link disappears from Google Search results, though the page itself stays on the original website.
This tool works best for specific pages — a single old blog post, a particular data broker listing, or one search result that bothers you. If your information appears across many pages, you may want to focus on the ones that rank highest in Google Search, because those are the ones people actually see. You can check your ranking by searching for your name in Google and noting which results appear on the first page.
Delete old social media accounts and posts
Social media sites let you delete individual posts or deactivate your entire account. Deleting posts removes them from your profile, but archived versions may still exist elsewhere on the internet. Deactivating your account hides your profile from public view, though the site keeps your data in case you return.
On Facebook, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Deactivation and Deletion. Choose "Delete Account" if you want it gone permanently, or "Deactivate Account" if you might return later. Deletion takes about 30 days. On Twitter (now X), go to Settings and Support, then Account, then Deactivate Your Account. On Instagram, go to Settings, then Account, then Deactivate Account. Each site has its own process, so search "[site name] how to delete account" if you get stuck.
Before you delete your account, download your data if you want to keep photos or messages. Most social media sites have a download option in their settings. After deletion, your profile disappears from the site, but posts you shared publicly may have been saved by other users or archived by services like the Wayback Machine. You cannot control those copies, but at least your account is no longer actively promoting them.
Request removal from people search websites and background check sites
People search sites like PeopleFinder, MyLife, and Intelius work similarly to data brokers but focus on background information. Background check sites like GoodHire and Checkr are used by employers and landlords. Both types collect your information from public records and sell reports about you.
Search for yourself on each site. If you find your listing, look for a removal or privacy request link. Most people search sites have one, though background check sites vary. If you cannot find a removal option, send an email to their privacy or support address asking them to remove your information. Include your full name, date of birth, and any other identifying information that matches their listing. Request a confirmation email once they have removed you.
Background check sites sometimes require you to dispute the information rather than simply request removal. If that is the case, follow their dispute process. It usually involves submitting a form and proof of your identity. Keep records of your requests because, like data brokers, these sites re-collect information over time.
Handle information on old websites and forums you no longer control
If you posted personal information on a website, forum, or blog years ago and no longer have access to that account, you have two options: contact the site's owner directly, or use Google's removal tool to get it out of search results.
To contact the site owner, look for a "Contact Us" page or email address. Explain that you posted the information and want it removed. Include the URL of the page and your full name. Be specific about what information you want removed. Some site owners will delete it immediately. Others may not respond, especially if the site is old or abandoned.
If the site owner does not respond, use Google's removal tool (described above) to remove the page from search results. This does not delete the page itself, but it stops Google from showing it when someone searches for your name. For very old or abandoned websites, you can also try the Wayback Machine (archive.org) and request that they remove archived versions of pages containing your information.
Understand what you cannot remove
Some information stays public by law and cannot be removed through these methods. Court records, criminal records, property ownership, business licenses, and marriage or divorce records are maintained by government agencies and are public by design. You cannot remove them from the internet because they are not supposed to be private.
If your information appears in these records and you want it out of search results, your only option is Google's removal tool — and even that works only for the search result, not the original record. Some states allow you to seal certain records (like juvenile criminal records or records of arrests that did not lead to conviction), but that is a legal process separate from removing information from the internet.
Similarly, if someone else posted information about you — a photo, a comment, a story — you cannot remove it unless you own the website or can prove the information is false or violates the site's rules. You can report it to the site and ask them to take it down, but they are not required to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to remove information from data brokers?
Most data brokers remove your information within 3 to 10 days of your request. Some are faster. Keep checking your profile on each site to confirm the removal went through. If your information reappears weeks or months later, the site has re-collected it from public records and you will need to request removal again.
Will removing my information from Google Search remove it from the original website?
No. Google's removal tool removes the link from Google Search results only. The page stays on the original website. If you want the information gone from the website itself, you need to contact the website owner separately.
Can I remove my information from court records or property records?
No. These records are public by law and cannot be removed. You can use Google's removal tool to remove them from search results, but the original records stay in government databases. Some states allow you to seal certain types of records through a court process, but that is different from removing them from the internet.
What should I do if a website ignores my removal request?
Send a follow-up email after two weeks. If they still do not respond, use Google's removal tool to remove the page from search results. You can also report the site to the Federal Trade Commission if it is a data broker that refuses to honor removal requests, though this does not may provide action.
Do I need to remove my information from every data broker?
No, but you should focus on the ones that rank highest in Google Search when someone searches your name. Search for yourself and note which data broker sites appear in the top results. Remove yourself from those first, then work through the others if you have time.