FeaturedBuyer's GuideSeptember 4, 2026 · 9 min read
Data Broker Removal Services in 2026: Features Compared
A practical comparison of workflow, published pricing, monitoring, and evidence—without treating unlike coverage counts as equivalent.
Free exposure scan. Complete cleanup is $5.99/mo. Start cleanup →
the ghostvault brief
Privacy & security guides.
Practical how-tos on removing your data from brokers, beating identity theft, stopping spam calls, and staying off the radar.
Read
Privacy Law12 min
California Started Fining Data Brokers — But Not for Ignoring You
Three weeks past the Delete Act deadline, California has issued its first fines — and every one is for failing to register, not for ignoring a deletion request. We sent 20,354 demands to 603 registered brokers. Here's what they send back instead.
August 21, 2026Data Breach8 min
Canvas Hack Exposed 275M Student Records (May 2026)
ShinyHunters breached Instructure's Canvas LMS during finals week, stealing 3.65TB of data from 9,000 schools. Names, emails, student IDs, and private messages for 275 million students and teachers are now at risk.
May 8, 2026Privacy Threat9 min
DOGE Is Building a Database of Every American (2026)
DOGE has accessed Social Security records, tax returns, and biometric data across federal agencies — with at least 12 Privacy Act lawsuits filed. You can't opt out of government databases, but you can control what data brokers have on you.
May 8, 2026Privacy Threat10 min
Your Old Employer May Be Selling Your Emails to AI (2026)
Shuttered startups are selling Slack messages, internal emails, and Jira tickets to AI companies for $10K–$100K per deal. Your name and work history from a defunct company could be in an AI training set right now.
May 8, 2026Privacy Threat9 min
FTC Bans Kochava From Selling Your Location Data (2026)
The FTC banned Kochava from selling geolocation data that tracked people to addiction clinics, reproductive health facilities, and domestic violence shelters. But dozens of location data brokers still operate unchecked.
May 8, 2026Privacy Law9 min
California Delete Act: What Happens August 1, 2026
August 1 is the enforcement deadline for California's Delete Act. Every registered data broker must process DROP deletion requests or face $200/day fines. Only 575 of thousands of brokers have registered.
May 8, 2026Security Guide11 min
AI Voice Cloning Scams Surged 442% — How Data Brokers Help Scammers Find You
AI can clone a voice from 3 seconds of audio. Deepfake losses hit $1.56 billion. But scammers need your name, phone, and family details first — and data brokers hand it to them.
May 7, 2026Privacy Threat10 min
The FTC Just Caught 13 Data Brokers Selling Your Data to China
The FTC warned 13 data brokers for potentially selling Americans' personal data to foreign adversaries. California found 33 brokers doing it. Here's what data is at risk and how to protect yourself.
May 7, 2026Privacy Guide9 min
Delete Your 23andMe Data Before the June Deadline — Step-by-Step Guide
23andMe's bankruptcy sale puts 15 million people's DNA at risk. The privacy ombudsman reports June 10. Here's exactly how to delete your genetic data before the acquisition closes.
May 7, 2026Privacy Law10 min
Connecticut Just Passed the Strongest Data Broker Law in the Country
Connecticut's SB4 passed 141-6 and creates a one-request deletion system stronger than California DROP. It also bans surveillance pricing and restricts geolocation data sales.
May 7, 2026Privacy Threat9 min
Alexa+ Killed Your Privacy Settings — What Amazon Changed and What to Do
Amazon's Alexa+ eliminated local voice processing. All voice data now goes to the cloud with no opt-out. Here's what changed and how to limit your exposure.
May 7, 2026Privacy Guide12 min
How to Opt Out of AI Training Data: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Meta & X (2026)
Every major AI company trains on your data — and Meta won't even let US users opt out. Here's a platform-by-platform guide to limiting your AI training exposure, including the data broker angle most guides miss.
May 6, 2026Privacy Threat10 min
The FBI Is Buying Your Location Data Without a Warrant — What You Can Do
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the FBI purchases commercial location data via Babel Street's Locate X. Here's how your phone feeds the pipeline and how to cut it off.
May 6, 2026Privacy Guide11 min
Your Car Is Selling Your Driving Data to Insurance Companies — How to Opt Out
91% of new cars have embedded telematics. GM settled over OnStar data sharing. Only 31% of drivers benefit from tracking — 24% pay more. Here's how to opt out by manufacturer.
May 6, 2026Privacy Guide9 min
Universal Opt-Out Explained: One Browser Setting Stops Data Selling in 12 States
Global Privacy Control is now legally required in 12 states — and most people have never heard of it. Here's how to enable the one browser setting that tells every website to stop selling your data.
May 6, 2026Privacy Threat10 min
The 2027 Car Surveillance Mandate: Every New Car Will Watch Your Eyes
Federal law requires cameras in all new cars by September 2027 to detect impaired driving. No federal law protects the biometric data collected. Here's what's coming and what it means for your privacy.
May 6, 2026Privacy Threat9 min
Meta Is Training AI on Your Photos — And You Can't Opt Out in the US
Meta uses your posts, photos, and comments to train AI models. EU users can object. US users can't. Here's exactly what Meta collects, why the US has no opt-out, and what you can do about it.
May 6, 2026Service Review11 min
California DROP: 6-Month Review — Is It Actually Working?
DROP has 215,000+ registrants and the August 1 compliance deadline is approaching. We checked back on the brokers — here's what changed, what didn't, and what happens next.
May 6, 2026Research Report14 min
The 10 Most Dangerous Data Brokers You've Never Heard Of
Everyone knows Spokeo and WhitePages. But Babel Street, Gravy Analytics, and Mobilewalla sell to the FBI, insurance companies, and employers. Here are the 10 data brokers that actually matter.
May 6, 2026Privacy Law15 min
Every State With a Privacy Law in 2026: What Rights Do You Actually Have?
20 states now have comprehensive privacy laws. Here's the only consumer-friendly guide that maps your state to your rights — including whether you can delete your data from brokers.
May 6, 2026Privacy Guide11 min
Is Your Fitness Tracker Selling Your Health Data? Whoop, Strava, Garmin & More
80% of fitness apps share data with third parties. HIPAA doesn't cover wearables. Here's what Whoop, Oura, Strava, Garmin, and Fitbit actually do with your health data.
May 6, 2026Privacy Law10 min
COPPA 2.0 Passed the Senate: What Parents Need to Know About Kids' Privacy
COPPA 2.0 extends privacy protections to teens under 17. New FTC rules ban sharing kids' data with advertisers or AI training. Here's what changed and what parents should do now.
May 6, 2026Comparison11 min
California DROP vs Data Removal Services: What DROP Doesn't Cover
California's free DROP platform sends deletion requests to registered brokers. But it's CA-only, one-time, and covers just registered brokers. Here's what it misses.
March 2, 2026Service Review9 min
I Tried California's DROP Platform — Here's What Actually Happened
We tested DROP on launch day. Two months later, most broker profiles were still live. Here's the full timeline of what happened — and what DROP doesn't tell you.
March 2, 2026How-To Guide10 min
Don't Live in California? Here's How to Remove Your Data Anyway
DROP only works for CA residents. But CCPA rights extend to data held by California companies — and most major brokers are based there. Here's what to do.
March 2, 2026Privacy Law8 min
Montana Data Privacy Law (MCDPA): What Montana Residents Need to Know
Montana's Consumer Data Privacy Act took effect October 1, 2024, with unique protections for teens 13–16. Here's what rights it gives you and how to delete your data from brokers.
February 25, 2026Privacy Law8 min
Delaware Data Privacy Law (DPDPA): What Delaware Residents Need to Know
Delaware's Personal Data Privacy Act has the lowest consumer threshold of any state law — covering businesses that handle just 35,000 records. Here's what it means for you.
February 24, 2026Privacy Law8 min
New Jersey Data Privacy Law (NJDPA): What NJ Residents Need to Know
New Jersey's Data Privacy Act requires Global Privacy Control compliance from day one. Here's what rights it gives you and how to exercise them to remove your data.
February 23, 2026Opt-Out Guide6 min
LexisNexis Opt Out: How to Remove Yourself From LexisNexis (2026)
LexisNexis Risk Solutions sells consumer profiles to background check companies, lenders, and insurers. Here's how to opt out — including the ID upload requirement.
February 22, 2026Opt-Out Guide6 min
Acxiom Opt Out: How to Remove Your Data From Acxiom (2026)
Acxiom holds data on 250 million Americans and sells it to marketers, financial companies, and other brokers. Here's how to suppress your profile via aboutthedata.com.
February 22, 2026Privacy Law8 min
Oregon Data Privacy Law (OCPA): What Oregon Residents Need to Know
Oregon's Consumer Privacy Act is unique for covering nonprofits — a first nationally. Here's what rights it grants you and how to delete your data from brokers.
February 22, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
ZoomInfo Opt Out: Remove Your Profile From ZoomInfo (2026)
ZoomInfo sells your work email, direct line, and job title to sales teams. Here's how to opt out and why your profile keeps coming back.
February 22, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
FamilyTreeNow Opt Out: Remove Yourself and Your Family (2026)
FamilyTreeNow shows your address, age, and relatives' data for free — no account required. Here's how to opt out, and what to do about your family members' listings.
February 22, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
PeekYou Opt Out: Remove Your Profile From PeekYou (2026)
PeekYou links your social media accounts, blog posts, and news mentions into one identity profile. Step-by-step guide to removing it.
February 22, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
That'sThem Opt Out: Remove Your Info From That'sThem (2026)
That'sThem shows addresses, phone numbers, emails, and IP address history for free. Here's how to opt out.
February 22, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
US Search Opt Out: Remove Yourself From USSearch.com (2026)
US Search is part of the PeopleConnect family — same data as TruthFinder and Instant Checkmate, separate opt-out. Here's how to do it.
February 22, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
CyberBackgroundChecks Opt Out: Remove Your Record (2026)
CyberBackgroundChecks shows criminal records, arrest records, and personal info for free. Here's how to remove your profile — and what opting out doesn't cover.
February 22, 2026Privacy Law8 min
Utah Data Privacy Law (UCPA): What Utah Residents Need to Know
Utah's Consumer Privacy Act has a $25M revenue threshold — one of the highest in the US. Here's what rights you still have and how to use them.
February 21, 2026Privacy Law8 min
Connecticut Data Privacy Law (CTDPA): What CT Residents Need to Know
Connecticut's Data Privacy Act requires Global Privacy Control compliance as of January 2025. Here's what rights it gives you and how to use them.
February 20, 2026Privacy Law8 min
Colorado Data Privacy Law (CPA): What Colorado Residents Need to Know
Colorado's Privacy Act requires businesses to honor universal opt-out signals like GPC. Here's what rights it gives you and how to delete your data.
February 19, 2026Privacy Law8 min
Virginia Data Privacy Law (VCDPA): What Virginia Residents Need to Know
Virginia's Consumer Data Protection Act was one of the first state privacy laws after California. Here's what rights it gives you and how to use them.
February 18, 2026Research Report13 min
Data Broker Industry Report 2026: How Big Is the Industry Selling Your Data?
The global data broker market exceeded $365 billion in 2024. Here's a comprehensive look at the industry's size, major players, and regulatory landscape.
February 18, 2026Privacy Guide11 min
Social Media Privacy Guide 2026: Lock Down Your Profiles
Your social media profiles are a goldmine for data brokers. Step-by-step privacy settings for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, and Google.
February 18, 2026Security Guide9 min
My SSN Is on the Dark Web: What to Do Right Now
Your Social Security number was likely exposed in the 2024 National Public Data breach. Here's the exact action checklist — credit freeze, fraud alert, IRS form, and more.
February 17, 2026Privacy Guide8 min
Reverse Phone Lookup Opt Out: Remove Your Number From Lookup Sites
Anyone can type your cell number into a lookup site and see your full name and home address. Here's how to remove your number from Whitepages, Spokeo, BeenVerified, and more.
February 17, 2026Security Guide12 min
How to Prevent Identity Theft: 15 Steps That Actually Work
Comprehensive guide to preventing identity theft in 2026. Learn 15 proven, actionable steps to protect your SSN and financial accounts from identity thieves.
February 16, 2026Privacy & Security8 min
Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls?
Discover the real reason behind the spam call epidemic and why you're being targeted. Learn how data brokers sell your phone number and the permanent solution.
February 16, 2026Privacy Guide9 min
What Are People Search Sites? How They Work and How to Get Off Them
Hundreds of websites let anyone search your name and see your home address, phone, relatives. Here's exactly how people-search sites work and how to remove yourself.
February 15, 2026Opt-Out Guide7 min
National Public Data Opt Out: Remove Your Info After the Massive 2024 Breach
The 2024 NPD breach exposed 2.9 billion records — including most Americans' SSNs. Here's what happened, how to opt out, and the steps to take.
February 15, 2026How-To Guide9 min
How to Use CCPA to Remove Your Personal Data From Data Brokers
The California Consumer Privacy Act gives you the legal right to demand data brokers delete your information — even if you don't live in California.
February 14, 2026Privacy Law8 min
Texas Data Privacy Law (TDPSA): What Texas Residents Need to Know
Texas passed one of the broadest state privacy laws in the US. Here's what rights the TDPSA gives you, how it compares to California's CCPA.
February 13, 2026Privacy Law10 min
California Data Privacy Rights: How to Use CCPA to Delete Your Info
California's CCPA and the 2023 Delete Act give you powerful rights to demand data brokers erase your information. Here's everything you need to know.
February 12, 2026How-To Guide15 min
How to Opt Out of Background Check Sites (Step-by-Step 2026)
Detailed step-by-step opt-out instructions for Spokeo, BeenVerified, Whitepages, Intelius, TruthFinder, and 500+ more.
February 11, 2026Security Guide11 min
Is Your Information on the Dark Web? How to Find Out
Billions of personal records are sold on dark web markets right now. Learn what the dark web is, how to check if your data is there, and what to do.
February 10, 2026Site Review7 min
Is Instant Checkmate Legit? What It Shows and How to Remove Yourself
Instant Checkmate shows criminal records, arrests, and social media profiles. Here's what it actually reveals about you and the exact steps to remove your report.
February 9, 2026Site Review7 min
Is MyLife Safe? The Shady Truth About Its 'Reputation Scores'
MyLife assigns "reputation scores" that appear in Google when someone searches your name — and they charge you to see your own report.
February 9, 2026Site Review7 min
Is TruthFinder Legit? What It Shows About You and How to Get Off It
TruthFinder runs TV ads claiming to reveal "the truth" about people. Here's an honest look at what it actually shows and how to remove your profile.
February 8, 2026Site Review6 min
Is Radaris Safe? The Truth About This People-Search Site
Radaris is one of the harder data broker sites to remove yourself from. Here's what it collects, how it gets your data, and why it poses a real privacy risk.
February 8, 2026Site Review7 min
Is BeenVerified Legit? An Honest Look at What It Knows About You
BeenVerified is a legitimate background check site — but that doesn't mean you want your data there. Here's what it shows and how to permanently remove your record.
February 7, 2026Site Review6 min
Is Whitepages Safe? What It Reveals and How to Remove Your Listing
Whitepages is one of the most visited people-search sites on the internet. Here's what it shows about you and how to remove yourself.
February 6, 2026Site Review7 min
Is Spokeo Safe? What It Knows About You and How to Remove Your Info
Spokeo aggregates social media profiles, public records, and address history into a single searchable profile. Here's what it has on you and how to opt out.
February 5, 2026Safety Guide8 min
I've Been Doxxed. What Do I Do?
Being doxxed is terrifying. This guide covers the immediate steps to take — from documenting the incident and reporting to platforms, to removing your data.
February 4, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
PeopleLooker Opt Out: Remove Your Info From PeopleLooker (2026)
How to opt out of PeopleLooker and remove your personal data from their background check database. Step-by-step removal guide.
February 3, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
CheckPeople Opt Out: Remove Your Info From CheckPeople (2026)
How to opt out of CheckPeople and remove your personal information from their database. Step-by-step guide to deleting your CheckPeople profile.
February 2, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
Nuwber Opt Out: Remove Your Personal Info From Nuwber (2026)
Step-by-step guide to removing yourself from Nuwber. Delete your address, phone number, and personal profile from Nuwber's people-search database.
February 1, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
Social Catfish Opt Out: Remove Your Info From Social Catfish (2026)
How to opt out of Social Catfish and remove your personal information from their reverse lookup database. Step-by-step removal guide.
January 30, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
PeopleFinders Opt Out: Remove Your Info in 5 Minutes (2026)
How to remove yourself from PeopleFinders and delete your address, phone number, and personal records. Simple step-by-step opt-out guide.
January 29, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
Instant Checkmate Opt Out: Remove Your Background Report (2026)
Step-by-step guide to opting out of Instant Checkmate. Remove your name, address, criminal records, and background report from Instant Checkmate's database.
January 28, 2026Privacy Guide10 min
How to Remove Your Personal Information From Google Search
Your home address and phone number show up in Google because data broker sites publish them. Here's how to remove your info from the source and request Google delisting.
January 27, 2026Opt-Out Guide4 min
TruePeopleSearch Opt Out: Fast Removal Guide (2026)
How to remove yourself from TruePeopleSearch. One of the simplest data broker opt-outs available — no account, no email, just a URL and a CAPTCHA.
January 22, 2026Opt-Out Guide4 min
FastPeopleSearch Opt Out: Remove Your Info in Minutes (2026)
How to remove yourself from FastPeopleSearch quickly. This site has one of the simplest opt-out processes — no email required. Complete removal in under 3 minutes.
January 21, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
MyLife Opt Out: Remove Your Reputation Score & Profile (2026)
How to remove yourself from MyLife and delete your reputation score. Step-by-step guide to opting out of MyLife's people-search database.
January 20, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
Radaris Opt Out: How to Remove Yourself From Radaris (2026)
Radaris opt-out guide: step-by-step instructions to remove your address, phone number, and personal profile from Radaris.
January 19, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
Intelius Opt Out: Remove Your Info From Intelius (2026)
How to opt out of Intelius and remove your personal information from their database. Step-by-step guide to deleting your Intelius profile.
January 18, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
TruthFinder Opt Out: Remove Your Personal Info (2026)
Step-by-step TruthFinder opt-out guide. Remove your name, address, phone number, and background report from TruthFinder's database.
January 17, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
BeenVerified Opt Out: Remove Your Info in Minutes (2026)
How to remove yourself from BeenVerified step by step. Delete your name, address, phone number, and background report from BeenVerified's database permanently.
January 16, 2026Privacy Guide9 min
What Is a Data Broker? How They Work and Why It Matters
Data brokers collect your address, phone, income, and relatives' names — then sell it to anyone willing to pay. Learn what data brokers are and how to opt out.
January 15, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
Whitepages Opt Out: Remove Your Info From Whitepages (2026)
How to remove your phone number, address, and personal information from Whitepages. Step-by-step opt-out instructions that actually work.
January 14, 2026Opt-Out Guide5 min
Spokeo Opt Out: How to Remove Yourself From Spokeo (2026)
Step-by-step guide to opting out of Spokeo and removing your personal information. Learn exactly how to delete your name, address, and phone number from Spokeo's database.
January 13, 2026
Know the problem. Solve it.
See what data brokers have on you right now. Free scan, under a minute.
No credit card to scan · 30-day refund