As you use the internet every day, you leave behind what can be called a digital footprint
Whether you are posting to your social media accounts, sending emails, or shopping online, there are a number of ways that your digital footprint could become more and more substantial as you do more online.
So, you might get to the point at which you would like to get rid of that digital footprint. If this is the path that you want to take, you aren’t alone, but it will likely take some time and effort to get it done.
How can you remove your information from the internet as best as possible? Check out the tips below to begin.
Delete All of the Accounts You Remember Opening
One of the first things you can do when you want to get rid of your digital footprint is to compile a list of accounts that you have opened up online over the years. This would include email accounts and online shopping accounts, but don’t forget that you might also have online accounts set up with your bank, with your school and job, and more.
Once you have compiled your list, you can then go to each account to work through the steps that are needed to have it deleted. Again, this will take some time, as you will need to go to each individual website that hosts your account and then request its deletion.
Opt-Out of People Search Websites
In addition to the accounts that you have created, your personal information can be found online on people search websites.
These databases are designed to make it easy to find the background and contact details of just about anyone you search for. But if you don’t like the idea of someone doing that with your name, it can feel like an invasion of privacy.
You might be appalled by the number of people searching websites that are hosting your information right now.
Give it a try by heading over to SearchPeopleFree and typing in your name. If your info is on there, and you want it removed, go to the SearchPeopleFree opt out page to follow the instructions on how to get it done.
Another popular people search site is Radaris, so check it out as well. And if your info is on there, just go to the Radaris opt out page. Simple enough!
Worried about missing any sites that might be hosting your info? Perform a Google search using your own name to see which sites are shown in the search results. You might discover that you also need to head to the FastPeopleSearch opt out page as well.
Get Off of Social Media Platforms
Finally, think about all of the social media platforms (like Snapchat) that you have used. Perhaps you have accounts with Facebook and Twitter, but don’t forget about sites like Pinterest and TikTok, or even Myspace which used to be really popular many years ago.
Just as you went through all of your myriad online accounts to delete them, you should do the same with your social media accounts, as they definitely help you create a digital footprint. Go to each platform to get the instructions on how to remove yourself completely.
Again, this might take some time, but it’ll be worth it if your goal is to remove your info from the internet!
Conclusion
Well, these are the few quick ways that you can use to remove your info online.
It is important that you leave only those details that you are sure won’t be infringing your privacy if someone gets to them.
Do you have other methods that you feel we’ve left out but can be used to delete one’s digital footprint? Why not share them in the comment section and we’ll try them out to verify.
