Erase Your Personal Info from the Internet for Free
Summary | Rich on Tech Segment | Chronological Condensation
The Problem
A quick search reveals that your name, address, phone number, age, and more are all available online to
anyone who looks. Every new piece of information shared about you online can become something that
"nefarious actors can use to try to steal your identity."
Google Removal Tools
If you see a Google search result with your personal info, tap the three dots next to the URL and hit
"Remove result." Fill out the form, and if approved, the link should disappear within days. For ongoing
protection, sign up for Google's free "Results about you" service, which alerts you when your personal
contact info shows up in search results. You can then request removal with a click.
Important caveat: this only hides the link in Google Search—the actual web page stays online. To get the
source removed, you'll have to contact that site directly.
Paid Data Removal Services
The primary driver for adopting data removal services is "to enhance personal privacy in general."
Services like Incogni, Privacy Bee, and others promise to help by automating the opt-out process, but
they can cost up to $20 a month.
A Consumer Reports study found that many data deletion services "don't have a great success rate." The
services that removed the most data—EZOptOuts and Optery—cost $20 to $40 for the year.
The DIY Approach
The most effective way might be to do it yourself. Start with the top search results for your name and
visit those sites directly to submit an opt-out request. DeleteMe has a great directory of free opt-out

guides with step-by-step instructions for "just about every data broker out there."
Managing Expectations
Even though it can feel hopeless given how much information exists online, "it doesn't mean you should
just throw your hands up and not do anything about it."
"Removing your info is kind of like a game of whack-a-mole—remove one listing and another pops
up. But the more you take down, the harder you make it for people to misuse your data."
The segment concludes with advice to be mindful about where you share personal information moving
forward.
Document Type: Summary – Condensed while preserving chronological segment flow
Source: "Rich on Tech" segment by Rich DeMuro
Original Length: ~450 words | Summary Length: ~350 words (78%)