TL;DR: You cannot erase yourself from the internet completely, but you can delete most of your personal information in seven steps: map your exposure, delete old accounts, opt out of data brokers, hide Google results, send data deletion requests, stop new collection and repeat. California residents can use the state's DROP platform for one-request broker deletion. Free tool: Scan My Shadow's digital footprint checker at scanmyshadow.com/digital-footprint-checker.
Searches like "delete personal data from the internet", "delete my info from the internet" and "remove me from the internet" all ask the same thing: how to get your details off the web. Complete deletion is not possible, because archives, screenshots and public records persist, but you can remove most of what strangers and data brokers can find.
Step 1: See what is out there
Search your name in a private window and run the free digital footprint checker. Follow how to check your digital footprint and the Google yourself audit to build a list of what to remove.
Step 2: Delete old accounts
Old accounts keep your data alive. Use the account deletion guide and the JustDeleteMe directory to find each deletion page.
Step 3: Opt out of data brokers and people-search sites
These sites publish or sell your name, address and phone number. See US data broker opt-outs, people-search opt-outs and UK, Canada and Australia opt-outs. California residents can send one request through DROP; see who sells your data and how to stop it.
Step 4: Remove results from Google
Use Google's Results about you tool and removal requests: how to remove personal information from Google. This hides results but does not delete the source page.
Step 5: Send a data deletion request
A data deletion request is a written demand that a company erase your personal data under privacy law, such as GDPR in Europe and the UK or CCPA in California. Include who you are, what data you mean, the law you rely on and a deadline. Organizations generally have about a month under GDPR and 45 days under CCPA to respond. Keep copies of everything you send.
Step 6: Stop new data being collected
- Review app permissions, reset your advertising ID and tighten social media privacy settings.
- Use alias emails and limit what you share; see how to reduce your digital footprint.
Step 7: Decide whether to pay for an internet scrubbing service
An internet scrubbing service, also called a data removal service, sends opt-outs for you on a subscription. Compare the options in Incogni vs DeleteMe vs Aura vs Scan My Shadow and read free vs paid removal.
What you cannot delete
Web archives, screenshots, news coverage and court or property records stay. See whether deleted posts can still be found. In India, use the India data broker removal guide.
FAQs
How do I delete my personal information from the internet?
Remove it at the source: delete unused accounts, opt out of data brokers and people-search sites, request removal of Google results, and tighten privacy settings on what remains.
How do I delete my personal data from the internet for free?
The opt-out and deletion steps are free but take time. Start with the biggest people-search sites, then Google's Results about you tool, then your own accounts.
Is it possible to delete yourself from the internet completely?
Not completely. Archives, screenshots and public records remain, but you can remove most of what is easy to find.
What is a data deletion request?
A written request asking a company to erase your personal data, usually made under privacy laws such as GDPR or CCPA. Companies must respond within legal deadlines.
What is an internet scrubbing service?
A paid service that finds your information on data broker and people-search sites and sends removal requests for you, usually on a subscription.
How do I remove myself from the internet if I do not know where I appear?
Map your exposure first with a search of your name and a free digital footprint check, then work through accounts, brokers and Google results.
How do I file a Google removal request?
Use Google's Results about you tool or its personal information removal request for specific URLs. Removing a result from Google does not delete it from the source site.
Before scammers use your details, see them first: check what is already public about you.
Curious what's already out there? Scan My Shadow checks a phone number and email across 1,500+ sources and sends a clear report — no guesswork, just facts. Start your scan.
Sources
- California Privacy Protection Agency: DROP
- UK Information Commissioner's Office
- California Attorney General: CCPA
- Google: Results about you