🚫 Data Broker Opt-Outs

Major People Search Engines

• Whitepages: whitepages.com/suppression_requests
• Spokeo: spokeo.com/opt-out
• BeenVerified: beenverified.com/app/optout
• Intelius: intelius.com/opt-out
• PeopleFinder: peoplefinder.com/opt-out
• TruePeopleSearch: truepeoplesearch.com/removal
• FastPeopleSearch: fastpeoplesearch.com/removal
• USSearch: ussearch.com/opt-out

Manual Opt-Out Process

1. Search for yourself: Find your profiles on data broker sites
2. Document profiles: Take screenshots before removal
3. Follow opt-out procedures: Each site has different requirements
4. Verify identity: Most require some form of verification
5. Wait for processing: Can take days to weeks
6. Follow up: Check if removal was successful
7. Regular monitoring: Data often reappears

Automated Opt-Out Services

• DeleteMe: Paid service, handles major brokers
• OneRep: Automated removal, ongoing monitoring
• PrivacyDuck: Manual service with human verification
• Kanary: Focuses on exposure monitoring
• Tradeoff: Costs money but saves significant time

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

• Applies to: California residents
• Rights: Know, delete, opt-out of sale of personal info
• Process: Submit formal requests to data brokers
• Enforcement: Companies must comply within 45 days

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

• Applies to: EU residents
• Rights: Access, rectification, erasure, portability
• Process: Submit requests under Article 17 (right to erasure)
• Enforcement: Strong penalties for non-compliance

Why Opt-Outs Often Fail

• Data re-aggregation: Information is re-collected from other sources
• New data brokers: Hundreds of smaller brokers constantly emerge
• Shell companies: Same data under different company names
• Public records: Some data is legally public and can't be removed
• International brokers: Companies outside US/EU jurisdiction
• Non-compliance: Some brokers ignore opt-out requests

Verification Challenges

• Identity verification: Providing more data to remove data
• Catch-22: Must reveal personal info to remove personal info
• Fake opt-outs: Some sites collect data under guise of removal
• Incomplete removal: Partial data removal, some fields remain

Minimize Data Creation

• Use aliases: Fake names for non-essential accounts
• Temporary emails: Disposable emails for registrations
• VPN usage: Hide location and IP address
• Cash payments: Avoid credit cards for sensitive purchases
• Minimal social media: Reduce public information sharing
• Opt-out defaults: Always choose privacy-friendly options

Data Poisoning

• Concept: Introduce false information to corrupt profiles
• Methods: Use fake data in non-essential forms
• Risks: May violate terms of service
• Effectiveness: Can make profiles less valuable

Regular Searches

• Google yourself: Regular searches for your name and info
• People search sites: Check major people search engines
• Social media: Monitor public posts and tags
• Professional sites: LinkedIn, company directories
• Google Alerts: Set up alerts for your name and information

Monitoring Tools

• Have I Been Pwned: Monitor for data breaches
• Google Alerts: Email notifications for your name
• DeleteMe monitoring: Professional monitoring service
• Browser alerts: Some browsers notify of data exposure

Acxiom Opt-Out

1. Visit aboutthedata.com
2. Search for your profile
3. Create account to manage data
4. Request data suppression
5. Verify identity with personal questions
6. Wait for confirmation (up to 6 weeks)

Whitepages Opt-Out

1. Search for your listing on whitepages.com
2. Copy the URL of your profile
3. Visit whitepages.com/suppression_requests
4. Submit opt-out form with profile URL
5. Verify with phone call or text
6. Wait 24-48 hours for removal

Retailer Data Sharing

• Loyalty programs: Often share purchase data with brokers
• Credit card companies: Sell transaction data
• Telecom companies: Location and usage patterns
• Social media: Extensive data sharing with advertisers
• App developers: Mobile app data often shared

Jurisdiction Issues

• US-based brokers: Limited privacy protections outside CCPA
• EU-based brokers: Must comply with GDPR
• Offshore brokers: May ignore all opt-out requests
• Cross-border data: Data shared across jurisdictions

Priority Order

1. People search sites: Most visible to general public
2. Major data brokers: Acxiom, LexisNexis, Experian
3. Social media privacy: Tighten all social media settings
4. Retailer opt-outs: Major retailers and loyalty programs
5. Smaller brokers: Work through comprehensive lists

Time Investment

• Initial effort: 20-40 hours for comprehensive opt-outs
• Ongoing maintenance: 2-4 hours monthly
• Automated services: $100-300 annually
• DIY approach: Free but very time-consuming

Week 1: Assessment

1. Search for yourself on major people search sites
2. Document what information is available
3. Take screenshots for your records
4. Prioritize most sensitive information for removal

Week 2-4: Major Opt-Outs

1. Opt out from top 10 people search sites
2. Submit CCPA requests if you're in California
3. Opt out from major data brokers (Acxiom, etc.)
4. Set up Google Alerts for your name

Ongoing: Maintenance

1. Monthly searches for new appearances
2. Respond to Google Alerts
3. Submit new opt-out requests as needed
4. Consider automated service if manual effort is too much