Data brokers are companies that collect, aggregate, and sell personal information about you. Understanding how they work is the first step to protecting your privacy.
What is a Data Broker?
Data brokers are companies that specialize in collecting personal information from various sources, aggregating it into detailed profiles, and selling that data to third parties. These third parties can include:
- Marketing companies
- Insurance companies
- Potential employers
- Landlords
- Scammers and identity thieves
- Anyone willing to pay
Industry Size
The data broker industry is worth over $200 billion annually, and it's built on selling YOUR information.
Major Data Brokers You Should Know
Here are the most prominent data brokers that likely have your information:
People Search Sites
- Whitepages: One of the oldest and most popular people search engines
- Spokeo: Aggregates data from social media and public records
- BeenVerified: Popular background check service
- Intelius: Owns multiple people search brands
- TruePeopleSearch: Free people search with extensive data
- FastPeopleSearch: Another free service with detailed profiles
- Radaris: Comprehensive people search engine
Background Check Companies
- Checkr: Used by employers for background checks
- GoodHire: Employment screening service
- Instant Checkmate: Consumer background check service
The General Opt-Out Process
While each data broker has its own process, most follow a similar pattern:
- Find your listing: Search for yourself on the data broker's website
- Locate the opt-out page: Usually found in the footer or privacy policy
- Submit your request: Provide the URL to your listing and verify your identity
- Confirm via email: Most sites require email verification
- Wait for processing: Can take anywhere from 24 hours to 30 days
- Verify removal: Check back to ensure your data was removed
Important Note
Some data brokers make the opt-out process intentionally difficult. They may require you to create an account, submit identification documents, or complete multiple steps.
Why Manual Opt-Out is Challenging
- Too many sites: There are over 100 data broker sites with your information
- Inconsistent processes: Each site has different requirements
- Re-listing: Data brokers often re-add your information within months
- Time-consuming: Each opt-out can take 15-30 minutes
- Requires personal info: Ironically, you often have to provide more personal info to opt out
Automate Your Privacy Protection
Given the challenges of manual opt-out, many people choose automated privacy protection services. PrivacyOn handles all opt-out requests automatically, continuously monitors for re-listings, and ensures your data stays removed.
This means you can reclaim your privacy without spending countless hours navigating complex opt-out processes.