Hey everyone, I've got an issue that I'm hoping you can help me with. Whenever I Google my name, I come across some pretty sensitive information, including my address and ID number. This info is popping up in various places, like lists from universities during admissions or even my entire admission form with personal details. I'm really concerned about this. What steps can I take to get this info removed from the internet?
5 Answers
Honestly, it’s not easy, but you can definitely take steps. Google has a free service called 'Results About You' which can alert you when your personal info appears in search results. You can often remove it with just one click. Additionally, services like DeleteMe can help search and submit removal requests for you, although you'll still need to stay vigilant as new info keeps popping up.
You might want to look into using services like Incogni or DeleteMe since they can automate the removal process for you. You can also consider hiring a lawyer to send out takedown requests, or if you're up for it, you can send those requests yourself. Just remember, once your info is out there, it can be tough to get it all cleaned up completely.
It’s important to manage expectations with those services, though. They don't guarantee total success, and some places may not even honor deletion requests. It’s better than nothing, but it won’t completely erase your info.
I’ve heard mixed reviews about automated services like Incogni. They have a free trial, so you can test it out. Just be aware that while they might be effective, it's usually just a temporary fix since your info can easily be back out there due to how data is traded online.
Yeah, I’m not convinced either. Most of these services seem to just give you a temporary removal, and I’ve seen reports that they might even be linked to companies that sell your information back!
Have you tried contacting the website owners directly? Sometimes that can be the quickest way to get things removed. Or you could hire someone specialized in this area to help you out. Just a heads-up, though, it’s unlikely you can fully erase everything.
Don't forget about the 'Right to be Forgotten' concept. If you meet certain criteria, you might be able to request the removal of your information. Definitely worth looking into.
Totally agree! While it’s not foolproof, these tools really do help limit your online footprint.