# Safeguarding Your Private Information in the Era of Data Brokers
Given that data brokers are earning substantial profits from the sale of your personal information, it has become increasingly simple for nefarious actors to obtain sensitive data such as your phone number, email, physical address, and even your social security number. This situation not only subjects you to spam and scams but also poses serious threats to individuals who may be at risk of stalking and harassment.
## Steps to Eliminate Personal Information
Data brokers are firms that focus on purchasing and vending personal data. While they occasionally attract attention due to data breaches, most of their activities take place in obscurity. Despite persistent conversations regarding possible regulatory actions, data broking continues to be a legal enterprise, often taking advantage of the terms users consent to when registering for websites or applications.
Luckily, there are measures you can implement to eliminate your personal information from the web.
### Conduct a Google Search to Find Websites with Your Information
Begin by searching for your name online. Utilize different variations of your name and other identifying details to narrow your search results. For example:
“`
Jane Doe
Jane Doe Boston
Jane Doe doctor
Jane Doe Massachusetts General Hospital
Jane Doe Harvard
“`
In certain instances, you may be able to remove the information directly from profiles you have established. If that is not possible, use the website’s “Contact Us” feature to ask for removal. If they do not comply or do not reply, look for a DMCA Takedown Request option, as these requests are generally reviewed by the website’s legal division.
### Request Google to Remove Search Results
If a site does not remove your information, you can ask Google to eliminate links to that content through their [personal data removal request form](https://reportcontent.google.com/forms/rtbf). The outcome will depend on your location and Google’s evaluation of privacy versus public interest.
### Examine People Search Services
People search websites are created to gather contact details. Inspect platforms like [Spokeo](https://www.spokeo.com), [Whitepages](https://www.whitepages.com), and [BeenVerified](https://www.beenverified.com) to see if your personal information appears. Adhere to their opt-out guidelines to remove your information.
### Scrutinize Your Social Media Accounts
Review your profiles on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Make sure that your privacy settings are as stringent as you desire, and contemplate deleting or modifying the privacy settings on previous posts that may include sensitive data.
### Consider a Data Removal Service
Manually identifying all organizations that possess your data and submitting removal requests can be time-consuming. Think about utilizing a paid data removal service like Incogni, which can simplify the process. They provide discounts for readers and permit you to protect multiple phone numbers and addresses.
## Additional Methods to Protect Yourself
In more severe situations, further actions may be required to protect your privacy. Services like [Google Voice](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-voice/id318698524) enable you to create virtual phone numbers, and acquiring a [PO Box](https://www.usps.com/manage/po-boxes.htm) can assist in safeguarding your physical address.
If you have shared location data with anyone, revisit your settings to ensure you are no longer disclosing your location. Inspect your app permissions and revoke access from any applications that could be sharing your location publicly.
If someone is causing you distress or instilling fear for your safety, don’t hesitate to reach out to law enforcement. If the issue involves a former partner, contact the domestic abuse team since they specialize in such situations.
Maintain records of any unwanted contact to support law enforcement and gather proof for a possible restraining order. Keep messages and call logs, and take screenshots of texts as soon as they come in.
For additional guidance and resources, visit the [Department of Justice website](https://www.justice.gov/ovw/domestic-violence).
By taking proactive measures to handle your personal information, you can substantially diminish your chances of being targeted by data brokers and malicious actors.
