Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Understanding Data Brokers
Every time you fill out a form, subscribe to a newsletter, or shop online, your personal details are collected and sold by data brokers — companies that specialize in aggregating, analyzing, and reselling personal data.
These brokers compile massive profiles on individuals using information from:
- Public records (property ownership, court filings, voter registration)
- Social media profiles and interactions
- Purchase history and online activity
- Marketing surveys and loyalty programs
- Cookies and IP tracking
The result? Detailed digital dossiers that include your name, address, age, relatives, income range, interests, and even browsing habits.
“Data brokers operate quietly, yet they influence nearly every aspect of how individuals are targeted, profiled, and marketed to.” — Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Why You Should Opt Out of Data Brokers
1. Protect Your Privacy
Data brokers sell your personal information to marketers, advertisers, and even political organizations. Opting out helps you control how your private data is used.
2. Prevent Identity Theft
Stolen data is a goldmine for cybercriminals. Reducing your exposure reduces your risk of fraud or impersonation.
3. Reduce Spam and Robocalls
Data brokers share contact information with telemarketers, leading to endless spam emails and calls.
4. Minimize Harassment or Doxxing Risks
Anyone with access to a people-search site can find your home address. Opting out protects you from stalking or unwanted attention.
5. Safeguard Professional Reputation
Inaccurate or outdated information online can damage your credibility. Removing these records keeps your online presence clean.
How Data Brokers Obtain Your Information
Most data brokers source their data legally but without explicit consent.
Common sources include:
- Public databases: Property records, marriage licenses, court documents.
- Social platforms: Public Facebook or LinkedIn details.
- Third-party apps: Permissions granted for convenience often lead to data sales.
- Web cookies: Browsing data collected through trackers and analytics tools.
Even when you don’t actively provide information, data brokers can infer details through data matching algorithms.
What Information Do Data Brokers Collect?
| Data Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Personal Identifiers | Name, address, date of birth, gender |
| Contact Information | Phone number, email address |
| Financial Indicators | Credit status, estimated income range |
| Lifestyle Data | Hobbies, spending habits, online purchases |
| Employment & Education | Work history, degrees, job title |
| Family Details | Relatives, household composition |
| Geolocation Data | Places you visit or live |
| Social Data | Political views, affiliations, social behavior |
“Every click, purchase, or post feeds into a network of databases that determine how you’re perceived and marketed to.”
How to Opt Out of Data Brokers: Step-by-Step Process
Opting out isn’t a single-click fix — it’s a multi-step process that requires persistence and attention to detail. Here’s a comprehensive guide to removing yourself from these databases.
Step 1: Identify Which Data Brokers Have Your Information
Start by searching your name on people search engines such as:
- Whitepages
- Spokeo
- BeenVerified
- MyLife
- Intelius
- TruthFinder
Enter your full name and city, then review what information appears. You’ll likely find multiple listings.
Create a list of sites displaying your information. This list will serve as your removal roadmap.
Step 2: Locate Opt-Out Links for Each Data Broker
Every data broker is required by U.S. privacy laws — including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) — to provide a method for opting out or requesting data deletion.
Search each broker’s website for links like:
- “Opt Out”
- “Do Not Sell My Information”
- “Privacy Request Form”
Example search query:
site:whitepages.com opt out
site:spokeo.com privacy
This quickly finds the pages where you can begin the removal process.
Step 3: Submit Your Opt-Out Requests
Each site may have slightly different requirements. Most commonly, you’ll be asked to:
- Provide your name and email address.
- Copy the exact profile URL you want removed.
- Verify your identity through an email confirmation.
- Wait for processing, which can take 7–14 days.
Example Opt-Out Request Template:
To Whom It May Concern,
I request the permanent removal of my personal information from your website and associated databases in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
Name: [Your Full Name]
Profile URL: [Link to Your Listing]
Email: [Your Email Address]
Thank you for confirming once this request has been processed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Send this directly to the broker’s listed privacy contact or form submission portal.
Step 4: Verify Removal
After one to two weeks, return to each website and search your name again.
If the listing persists, repeat the opt-out process or reach out directly via their privacy contact email.
Some websites update quarterly, meaning data can remain visible temporarily.
Step 5: Remove Cached Data from Google Search
Even after removal, cached copies of your information may remain on Google.
Use Google’s Remove Outdated Content Tool to request deletion from search results:
- Visit Google’s Removal Tool.
- Enter the URL of the outdated page.
- Provide a brief explanation: “The page no longer exists, but it still appears in Google search results.”
- Submit and monitor status updates.
Step 6: Opt Out of Major Data Brokers
Below are direct opt-out resources for some of the most popular brokers:
| Broker | Opt-Out Link | Verification Required |
|---|---|---|
| Whitepages | whitepages.com/suppression_requests | |
| Spokeo | spokeo.com/opt_out/new | |
| BeenVerified | beenverified.com/faq/opt-out/ | |
| Intelius | intelius.com/opt-out/submit/ | |
| MyLife | mylife.com/ccpa/ | ID Verification |
| Radaris | radaris.com/control/privacy | |
| PeopleFinders | peoplefinders.com/manage |
Pro Tip: Create a dedicated email for opt-out requests to keep responses organized.
Step 7: Remove Data from Marketing Lists
Visit the Data & Marketing Association (DMA) Choice website at DMAchoice.org to stop direct mail marketing.
You can also register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov.
These steps reduce future collection by marketers.
Step 8: Automate the Process with Professional Assistance
Manually removing your data from hundreds of brokers can be overwhelming.
This is where Remove Online Information provides significant value.
How Remove Online Information Helps:
- Removes your personal data from 200+ data broker and people search sites.
- Monitors reappearances and performs ongoing removals.
- Submits legal opt-out requests under CCPA and other privacy laws.
- Handles Google search suppression and cached result removal.
👉 Contact Remove Online Information to reclaim your privacy and eliminate your personal data from the web permanently.
“Data privacy isn’t a one-time action — it’s an ongoing defense against exposure.” — Remove Online Information
Legal Protections and Privacy Rights
1. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
Gives California residents the right to:
- Request data deletion
- Opt out of data sales
- Access collected information
Visit oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa to file a complaint or learn more.
2. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
For European users, the GDPR grants the “Right to Be Forgotten.”
You can demand complete deletion of your data from companies’ databases.
3. Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA)
This law mirrors many GDPR protections for U.S. residents of Virginia.
4. Colorado Privacy Act
Effective July 2024, this law allows residents to opt out of targeted advertising and personal data processing.
Understanding these laws empowers you to assert your data privacy rights confidently.
How Long Does It Take to Opt Out of Data Brokers?
The timeline varies by broker:
| Action | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Manual request submission | 10–20 minutes per site |
| Confirmation email | Within 1–3 business days |
| Removal from search results | 7–30 days |
| Google cache update | 2–6 weeks |
Opting out manually can take over 100 hours if done thoroughly, as hundreds of brokers may have your data.
That’s why professional assistance from Remove Online Information can drastically reduce time and stress.
How Data Brokers Reacquire Your Information
Even after opting out, brokers may repurchase or recollect your data from new sources. Common reasons include:
- New data sales: Partnered marketing firms reselling your information.
- Address changes: Updating public databases.
- Social media posts: Public sharing of contact information.
- Cookies and device tracking: Web analytics collecting behavioral data.
To maintain long-term protection, periodic re-removal is essential.
Best Practices to Prevent Future Data Collection
- Use a Privacy-Focused Browser: Tools like Brave or Aloha Browser block trackers.
- Turn Off Location Tracking: Disable GPS on your devices unless necessary.
- Opt Out of Marketing Emails: Always click “unsubscribe” links.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Tasks: It can expose browsing and login data.
- Create Unique Email Addresses: Use aliases for subscriptions and sign-ups.
- Regularly Search Your Name: Monitor what appears online and act fast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Data brokers collect, buy, and sell personal data from public and private sources for marketing, analytics, and risk assessment.
Over 500 active data brokers operate in the U.S., according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Yes, but it’s time-consuming. Each broker requires individual opt-out requests.
No. Each broker operates independently and requires a separate form submission.
Yes. Their team assists clients in the U.S. and abroad under various privacy laws like CCPA and GDPR.
Costs vary based on the number of sites and monitoring frequency. Request a quote directly from Remove Online Information.
Key Takeaways
- Data brokers profit by collecting and selling personal information without explicit consent.
- Opting out helps protect privacy, prevent fraud, and reduce unwanted contact.
- The process requires time and persistence, as hundreds of brokers may hold your data.
- Remove Online Information offers comprehensive data removal and ongoing monitoring for complete peace of mind.
“Privacy isn’t about hiding — it’s about control. Take it back with Remove Online Information.”
Works Cited
Federal Trade Commission. “Data Brokers: A Call for Transparency and Accountability.” FTC.gov, https://www.ftc.gov/.
California Attorney General. “California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).” State of California Department of Justice, https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa.
Google. “Remove Outdated Content Tool.” Google Search Help, https://support.google.com/websearch/troubleshooter/3111061.
Electronic Frontier Foundation. “Privacy and Data Protection Resources.” EFF.org, https://www.eff.org/.