Urgent warning as your personal information could be sold online – five ways to delete your data easily

AN urgent warning has been issued as your personal information could be sold online unless you delete your data immediately.

Follow these five simple steps to remove your personal information from countless online brokers that are looking to sell your data, as noted by wired.

The key here is to keep your Google search updated so harmful information is deleted

REMOVE DATA BROKERS FROM COLLECTING INFO

Whether it is a big data broker like Acxiom, Equifax, Oracle, Epsilon and Experian or a small, unknown broker, they are all looking to buy and sell your data.

These companies collect personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, social security number, buying habits, where you went to school, how long, etc., according to the outlet. 

Depending on a few different factors, you should be able to opt out of allowing data brokers to collect your personal information but there are some restrictions.

The outlet states you might have to contact them through email or fill out an online application to get your request processed.

KEEP YOUR GOOGLE SEARCH ENGINE UP TO DATE

The key here is to keep your Google search updated so harmful information is deleted.

You want the search engine to be up to date so outdated information does not load.

Google automatically updates when pages no longer exist or if versions of the page are in different forms.

GET RID OF OLD ACCOUNTS

One of the most important ways to remove your personal information is to delete old accounts that you do not use anymore. 

Whether it’s old email addresses, usernames or passwords, delete all the accounts you do not use. 

The outlet recommends using Justdelete.me as a place to find links that lead to deletion pages. 

Seek Legal Advice

Cleaning your personal information online could be very time consuming.

You may want to get some legal help when it comes to getting rid of your online data that may be harmful or contain explicit images. 

Before you approach any removal service, the outlet advises you to read any privacy policies as you do not want to fall for any traps.

Protect Your Data Going Forward

The good news is that you can control the future and prevent giving out personal information now that you know all the risks involved.

Before engaging with Big Tech applications, be sure to understand what data each uses and collects from you.

Instead of aimlessly revealing personal information, consider using a burner account to cover your identity. 

Lastly the outlet recommends that if you prefer to be a private person, go for it. If you want to have an “invisible” online presence, speak about your stance with friends and family.