Clearance Protocol
Taking steps to reclaim your privacy feels like being an action hero walking away triumphantly. Every time your information is removed from services you never authorized to sell it, every old account you delete, and every time you exercise your privacy rights, it's a win for you, your privacy, and your security. Let's explore three ways to do this.
Data Removal Services
It's unsettling to discover that countless data aggregators you've never heard of are selling your personal and private information. But there's no better feeling than seeing it removed with minimal effort on your part. That's where Data Removal Services come in. These services use web crawling technologies to identify and remove mentions of your name, email address, phone number, location, and other personally identifiable information (PII) from the internet. Most also monitor for reappearances and submit removal requests as needed. I use Optery and have written about them in "Privacy Tool Spotlight: Optery"
Exercise Your Rights
Many sites have a privacy link (often at the bottom) listing your options, sometimes with online forms. Common choices:
- Request a data report
- Fix inaccuracies
- Opt out of data selling/sharing
- Delete your info
At the very least, request a copy of your information to see what information they collect. This might include data you've provided or details they've bought from data brokers to build a fuller profile of you. Then, choose to opt out to keep your data with them or delete it to have it removed. Be cautious with the delete option, as it might also delete your account. Use it carefully, or embrace it fully.
Going Full Marie Kondo
Unused accounts pile up. If they don’t spark joy, ditch them. I review my password manager yearly, deleting forgotten accounts via their sites. Benefits:
- Boost Security: Close inactive accounts to cut hacking and identity theft risks.
- Shrink Footprint: Less data online, harder to track.
- Enhance Privacy: Protect emails, phones, locations.
- Avoid Breaches: Fewer accounts, less breach risk.
- Dodge Scams: Tougher for scammers to target you.
- Declutter: Focus on active accounts.
- Stop Harassment: Harder for stalkers.
- Simplify: Fewer logins to manage.
- Cut Spam: End unwanted emails.
- Reclaim Control: Build a secure digital rep.
Make time to tidy your digital life and reclaim your privacy. Remember, we may not have anything to hide but everything to protect.
Learn more about Optery at https://www.optery.com/
