Any recommendations on removing personal information from the internet?

[user9430961]

Over the past 15 or so years (on and off), I Google my name to see what information that came up. I was okay with my findings as these basic searches never found anything readily online that gave my home address, yet I was shocked with all of the free information that Spokeo came up with about me and my family (about 10 years ago). YIKES!!!

I think about the last time I Googled my name was about 3 or so years ago (which I did not find anything shocking and nor did my home address come up), yet today when I Googled myself, I was shocked to find on the very first page of searches, there is now information giving my home address! YIKES!!!

I was wondering, is there anything I can do to stop so much of my personal information being readily available by an Internet search? I don’t have anything to hide, but I am just uncomfortable that my home address is now out there on a first page search. I was told that I could contact each leading data website and tell them to remove my personal information, but there are dozens of leading data websites, but I don’t know if they would or would not remove my information, plus it would take tons of time to contact each of these companies individually.

I don’t mind those slew of data companies out there (that come up in a name search) that claim to have detailed information (for a price) on a person who’s name you are seeking, yet I really would like to suppress as much information about myself as I can, when it comes to public online searches where people can get so much of my personal information for free and also get so much personal information just on their first search page.

I had seen companies out there that “claim” that they can suppress online information (for a price), but I thought I would check in our group first, to get some feedback and help.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Sebazz]

There are also dozens of search engines. Google says they usually don't remove addresses and phone numbers https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/2744324

 

[Stardreamer]

You usually have to find the site that is hosting that information and send them a request to remove it. They may or may not do so and even then it can be recovered sometimes.

 

[KaraBulut]

It's difficult to get information out of search engines once it's there- especially if it's your home address, phone number, etc.

Prevention is the best cure. Before you sign up for any "free" website, check their TOS. Most of the bigger websites that don't have a fee are selling your information. Facebook and Linked-In are the worst- they aggregate your email addresses and any personal information you enter on their website and then they sell your information which is then shared across an endless number different sites and marketing companies.

If you're wondering, JUB doesn't sell your information. It's stated in JUB's privacy statement.

Your e-mail address and personal information will never be sold to 3rd parties for marketing purposes...

 

[user9430961]

Thank you, Guys!

I sincerely and greatly appreciate your help, suggestions, and comments to my question. What you have shared is great to know. Some of the information I found was old information from the early 2000's, yet it did not come up when I did a search about 3 or so years ago. So I guess that is why I am more shocked now , since the information is so old, but I did not find any new information (i.e. information that is about 3 or less years old).

Thanks a MILLION of your help, Guys!

 

[KaraBulut]

For those interested in seeing data-mining in action, go to Spokeo.Com and do searches on your name, phone number, etc. Don't be surprised if your Facebook or other social networking site information shows up. Those sites sell information to sites like Spokeo.

 

[vulgar_newcomer]

Dont give out real anything, make the shit up.

 

[Laboyes]

Dont give out real anything, make the shit up.

Easier said than done. I was media coordinator for an environmental project last year that had me going from place to place communicating with different media outlets. I had to use my real name and the organization I was representing. Now a quick search of my name turns up a bunch of stuff in newspapers, a podcast, etc. I know the podcast has my parents' old home address, and the papers include at least my phone number with that company. So... That stuff's never going away...

It doesn't help that I'm probably the only person to have my name in at least the US.