If you are like a lot of people, the idea of having your personal information on display for anyone to find online makes you cringe. While the bad news is you can’t always control when or where your information appears on the internet, the good news is that you can usually do something about it. In fact, if you wanted to take steps to have your personal info removed from the internet, you can certainly go about doing so.
By knowing where to begin, and the basic steps you can take to protect your information, you can start to feel more secure. So, continue reading to access some helpful tips on how to do it.
Perform a Search to See Where Your Information Is Found
The first thing that you need to do is perform a search online to see where your personal information is currently being displayed. Without taking this simple step, you simply will not know where to begin.
When people type their own name into a search engine like Google, what they often realize is that, shockingly, their personal information, from their physical address to their email address, can be quite easy to find. Oftentimes, this information is found on various people search websites, where you can just type someone’s name and gather information about them.
What happens if you discover that your info is on people search sites? Well, you can go to each one and find their opt out instructions. The steps are typically easy, as you can see by visiting Nuwber, so it does not take a lot of time to let these websites know that you do not want them displaying your details.
Delete – Or Make Private – Your Social Media Accounts
A surprising amount of personal information can be revealed about you on your own social media accounts if you aren’t careful. For instance, if you have a Facebook account, have you filled out your profile information to include your workplace, the city you live in, where you went to school, what your email address is, and when you were born? Plus, you might have posted photos and videos of yourself as well. It’s a lot, and you don’t want all of that information getting into the wrong hands.
How can you protect your information when you are using social media? Well, if you are serious about removing your personal information from the internet, you will use those social media platforms in a manner that will not reveal your real name and personal details. Alternatively, making it a point to only connect with people you’ve met in person and know really well might help you rest easier. Or, you can just delete those accounts, especially if you aren’t using them or they are no longer adding value to your life.
Get Rid of Accounts and Emails You No Longer Use
Finally, in addition to deleting social media accounts that no longer serve you, it is also a good idea to get rid of any old email addresses that you don’t use, and to cancel any accounts with businesses you no longer support. These are other outlets that might be holding onto your personal information, so deleting your accounts with them can help you regain greater control over where your personal details can be found.
