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Reduce your personal information online

Find exposed personal details, request removal, limit public profile information, and track what changes.

Print a task checklist on paper or save as PDF. Tick off completed tasks and cross out device options that do not apply. Print all guides.

Name ____________________   Started __________   Finished __________

At a glance

TIME
About 45 minutes to start; removal requests need follow-up
COST
Free for the steps below
NEED
A browser, an email inbox for confirmations, and a private request tracker
UPDATED
November 2026

Start with these sites

Work down the starter list below instead of searching the whole web first. These are the sites and services from the owner’s earlier checklist; Acxiom and LexisNexis include data and marketing services beyond public people-search listings. Start with three entries today and return for the rest.

You do not need to purchase a report or monitoring subscription for this checklist. Use only information needed to locate your record and verify a request. Keep the tracker private. If asked for an identity document, read the official privacy explanation before deciding whether to proceed; never send documents to an unsolicited contact.

Want help handling removal requests?

You can make the requests below yourself for free, or pay a removal service to handle some of the work. Start with the manual checklist if you prefer to avoid a subscription. Consider paid help if repeated requests and follow-ups are keeping you from making progress.

Aura is one example. Aura says it submits broker opt-outs, checks for reappearances, resubmits requests and reports progress. Some requests still need your authorization or other action. We have not independently tested its removal effectiveness; this is an example, not a tested recommendation. This site receives no affiliate commission.

Before subscribing:

  1. Compare the service’s current coverage list with the sites on this checklist. Ask how it handles sites it does not cover.
  2. Check how often it rechecks listings, resubmits requests and shows results. Distinguish a request sent from a verified removal.
  3. Read the total annual cost, renewal price, trial billing date and cancellation instructions. Check how many people the plan covers.
  4. Read what personal information and authorization it requires, how it uses that information, and how to delete it after cancellation. If an optional feature asks for inbox access, decide separately whether you need that feature.
  5. If you subscribe, record a renewal/cancellation reminder and check its first progress report. Continue tracking uncovered sites yourself.

Paying does not guarantee every copy disappears or delete underlying public records. FTC guidance on paid removal services.

Use the same process for each site

  1. Open the site’s removal link below and locate your matching record, if the flow requires it.
  2. Submit the opt-out and complete any required email confirmation or verification.
  3. Record the submission date, reference and status on the printable tracker. Mark No match, Not applicable or Blocked when appropriate.
  4. Recheck after the provider’s stated period. If none is given, set your own two-week reminder. Mark removal complete only after checking the listing or official request status.

Keep passwords and identity-document numbers off the tracker. If a link fails, use the company’s homepage footer to find Privacy, Opt out or Do Not Sell/Share. Most forms blocked automated inspection during review; exact fields and processing times remain unconfirmed.

Starter removal checklist

Remove your information from these sites

More sites to check

LexisNexis: which option should I choose?

Privacy or safety suppression: use the applicable privacy-rights route, or check the safety route’s eligibility and documentation requirements. Safety suppression generally excludes law-enforcement and FCRA-regulated products.

Marketing: choose the direct-marketing opt-out. It is separate from prescreen offers and does not stop every company’s marketing.

Keep separate tracking entries for these two requests. For a security freeze, use the credit-freeze guide.

Find additional exposure — optional

Search for listings beyond the starter list

  1. Search your full name in quotation marks plus your city. Repeat for a former name or city if useful.
  2. Search your phone number and email in quotation marks. Do not search for passwords or full government-ID numbers.
  3. Record additional matching URLs. For a page you control, remove the exposed detail yourself. Otherwise use the source website’s official privacy or contact route to request removal.
  4. Complete confirmation and record a follow-up date, just as for the starter sites.

If content includes threats or creates an immediate safety concern, preserve evidence and seek appropriate help before contacting the poster. Opt-outs do not erase government records, and information may reappear or remain in reports about other people. FTC guidance.

Remove results and limit future exposure

Request removal of eligible Google results

  1. Open Google’s Results about you instructions. Follow its link to Results about you, or in the Google app open your profile picture → Results about you if available.
  2. If you choose monitoring, enter only the details you want Google to look for and review the offered notification options. Skip monitoring if you do not want to supply those details.
  3. For a matching result, request removal through the offered result controls. If the feature is unavailable, use Google’s detailed personal-information removal form. Supply the exact source URLs and requested evidence.
  4. Record each request separately from the source-site request. Check its status and any response; if denied, read the reason before resubmitting with corrected or additional information.

Google decides whether a result qualifies under its policies. Availability varies by account, age and market. Removing a Google result does not delete the source page or remove it from other search engines. Continue the source-site request too.

Official guidance

Refresh results after the source changes

  1. Confirm the source page no longer displays the information you wanted removed.
  2. If Google still displays old information, open Google’s Refresh outdated content instructions and choose Request refresh.
  3. Enter the affected page URL, follow the prompts, submit, and record the request. Recheck the search result after Google processes it.

Use this route for content that has already disappeared or changed at the source. For information still on the live page, use the personal-information removal request above instead.

Official guidance

Reduce what your own profiles publish

  1. Open Google Account → Personal info → Choose what others see → Go to About me. Set personal contact details and birthday visibility to Only you where offered. If your layout differs, look for About me under People & sharing.
  2. Pick the two other public profiles you use most. Open each profile’s editing controls. Remove your home address, personal phone, full birthday and daily location details from public bios or contact fields unless you deliberately need them public.
  3. Inspect the last five public posts or photos on each profile. Delete, edit or restrict posts exposing your home, school, routine or current whereabouts. Ask others to remove public posts revealing those details where necessary.
  4. Open each profile’s public URL while signed out and check what a visitor can see. Record any field or post that still needs attention.

Keep required account information accurate. Changing public visibility is different from removing a recovery phone or email; preserve working account-recovery methods. For live location sharing and device permissions, follow Protect your privacy at home and Secure your phone and computer.

Official guidance

Track results and set follow-up dates

  1. For every request, record the site, source URL, submission and confirmation dates, current status, next action and next check date. Keep search-engine requests on separate rows from source removal.
  2. Schedule a check for the date the provider states. If it gives no date, set your own reminder for two weeks from submission; this is a follow-up reminder, not a promised turnaround.
  3. Add a recurring reminder every three months to repeat the searches and inspect previously removed listings. Repeat after a move or name change.
  4. For persistent records, return to the site’s official privacy support with your case number and exact URL. Record the response and any revised next step.

A credit freeze addresses a different problem. Use Freeze your credit for its bureau freezes and report-review tasks. If exposed information has already been used to impersonate you, follow the Emergency checklist.

California residents — an additional option

Submit a DROP request if you are eligible

  1. Open California’s official DROP page. Confirm you are a California resident and review the eligibility and verification requirements.
  2. Choose Get started with DROP. Follow the state’s verification flow, supply the information you choose to use for matching, and submit the deletion request.
  3. Save your request reference securely. Return through Check DROP status on the official page and record progress and follow-up dates.

DROP is free and applies to participating registered data brokers. The state says status updates can take up to 90 days; it is not an instant removal of all public information. If you are not eligible, skip this section and use individual site requests.

Common questions

Do I have to pay for removal?

Start with the free official request routes. A paid service may save time, but check its coverage, recurring price and cancellation terms before choosing one. It cannot guarantee every copy disappears.

Does opting out erase public records?

No. People-search opt-outs do not delete underlying government records. Contact the record-holding agency about available privacy options if a public record creates a concern. Avoid anyone promising universal removal.

You’re done when

You have worked through the starter list, recorded each outcome or next action, checked the public details on two profiles, and scheduled follow-up dates. Mark a listing removed only after checking the source; a submitted request alone is not completion.

Sources and review

Reviewed November 11, 2026. FTC advice and Google’s search-removal, outdated-content and profile-visibility instructions are linked beside their tasks. The people-search starting links could not be inspected due to access restrictions; this guide does not claim their current forms or processing times were verified. No personal searches or removal requests were submitted during editorial review.

Use for every site

  • Open the link, locate your matching record if needed, submit the opt-out and complete verification.
  • Record dates and status below. Recheck after the provider’s stated period, or set your own two-week reminder if none is given.
  • Confirm the listing or official request status before marking complete; use the company’s Privacy/Opt out link if a route fails.

Acxiom

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

BeenVerified

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

InfoTracer

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

Intelius

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

LexisNexis — privacy or safety suppression

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

LexisNexis Marketing

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

MyLife

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

Radaris

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

Spokeo

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

TruePeopleSearch

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

Whitepages

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

More sites to check

FastPeopleSearch

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

FamilyTreeNow

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

That’s Them

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

USPhoneBook

Status: Not started _ Pending Verified removed / opted out _ No match Not applicable _ Blocked _

Submitted _ Confirmed _ Checked ____

Listing / case reference ______

Next action ____ Next check date __

Optional — find additional listings

  • Search your quoted full name and city, then your phone and email; do not search passwords or full government-ID numbers.
  • Record matching URLs, request removal through each site’s official route, complete confirmation and assign follow-up dates.
  • Copy a tracking entry above for each additional or duplicate listing.

Request removal of eligible Google results

  • Open Google’s Results about you instructions. Follow its link to Results about you, or in the Google app open your profile picture → Results about you if available.
  • If you choose monitoring, enter only the details you want Google to look for and review the offered notification options. Skip monitoring if you do not want to supply those details.
  • For a matching result, request removal through the offered result controls. If the feature is unavailable, use Google’s detailed personal-information removal form. Supply the exact source URLs and requested evidence.
  • Record each request separately from the source-site request. Check its status and any response; if denied, read the reason before resubmitting with corrected or additional information.

Refresh results after the source changes

  • Confirm the source page no longer displays the information you wanted removed.
  • If Google still displays old information, open Google’s Refresh outdated content instructions and choose Request refresh.
  • Enter the affected page URL, follow the prompts, submit, and record the request. Recheck the search result after Google processes it.

Reduce what your own profiles publish

  • Open Google Account → Personal info → Choose what others see → Go to About me. Set personal contact details and birthday visibility to Only you where offered. If your layout differs, look for About me under People & sharing.
  • Pick the two other public profiles you use most. Open each profile’s editing controls. Remove your home address, personal phone, full birthday and daily location details from public bios or contact fields unless you deliberately need them public.
  • Inspect the last five public posts or photos on each profile. Delete, edit or restrict posts exposing your home, school, routine or current whereabouts. Ask others to remove public posts revealing those details where necessary.
  • Open each profile’s public URL while signed out and check what a visitor can see. Record any field or post that still needs attention.

Track results and set follow-up dates

  • For every request, record the site, source URL, submission and confirmation dates, current status, next action and next check date. Keep search-engine requests on separate rows from source removal.
  • Schedule a check for the date the provider states. If it gives no date, set your own reminder for two weeks from submission; this is a follow-up reminder, not a promised turnaround.
  • Add a recurring reminder every three months to repeat the searches and inspect previously removed listings. Repeat after a move or name change.
  • For persistent records, return to the site’s official privacy support with your case number and exact URL. Record the response and any revised next step.

California residents — optional DROP request

  • Open California DROP, confirm eligibility, and review the verification requirements.
  • If eligible, choose Get started with DROP, complete verification and submit a request.
  • Store the request reference privately; use Check DROP status to track progress and record follow-up dates.
  • If not eligible, mark this section not applicable.

Optional — choose paid help

  • Compare covered sites with this checklist; identify uncovered sites to handle yourself.
  • Check repeat scans, resubmissions and reports of verified outcomes.
  • Read total cost, renewal pricing, trial billing date, cancellation and household coverage.
  • Review required personal information, authorization and data-deletion terms; decide separately on optional inbox access.
  • If subscribing, record the renewal/cancellation reminder and first report-review date.
  • Track uncovered sites yourself and check the first progress report.

Service ____ Uncovered sites ______

First report check _ Renewal / cancellation reminder _

Notes and follow-up

Next action ______________________________   Date __________