If you’ve ever looked yourself up online and found public records you did not expect, or you suddenly experience an influx of cold callers, but you aren’t sure of the source, you’re not alone. So much of our information is in the hands of data brokers. The problem of public records that may list your full name, home address, telephone number, and more is compounded by daily data breaches. Your data may be exposed online or, when in the hands of third parties, traded or sold without your explicit consent or permission.
While many data broker services and people search websites are legal, they still often violate your privacy. The problem, however, is that tracking down these companies and forcing them to delete your information — and not collect it again — is a time-consuming task that often fails unless you consistently send data removal demands. Manual removals only go so far and are usually time-consuming processes, but the best data removal services shoulder this task for you.
Also: I put 2025’s leading data-removal services to the test, and there was a clear winner
In ZDNET’s April update, we conducted a thorough review of our guide, adding Optery to our top picks and Privacy Hawk to our alternatives.
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What’s the best personal data removal service right now?
My top pick to delete yourself from the internet is Incogni. Owned by VPN provider Surfshark, Incogni tackles data removal and brokers on your behalf with a heavy focus on automation and enforces these requests using applicable data protection laws. Its service has amassed many positive customer reviews. You pay the equivalent of $8 per month with an annual plan during Incogni’s current sale.
Also: How to delete yourself from the internet in 2026
Alternatively, Privacy Bee is another well-known specialist data removal service that offers individual, business, or family plans, starting at $8 per month. I would recommend the Pro plan if you want to tackle people search sites, data brokers, and websites.
I have conducted extensive research, hands-on testing, and the ZDNET team’s years of experience in data removal practices and techniques to compile my recommendations. Below, you will find my other top choices for the best data removal services in 2026.
The best data removal services of 2026
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Incogni
Surfshark’s Incogni is a great service for removing yourself from the internet and negotiating with data brokers, securing its position as my top pick for quick, automated removal.
Why we like it: Once you’ve signed up, Incogni will send removal requests to a wide array of data brokers. The service enforces these requests in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
The company states that most requests are processed within eight weeks; however, some may require your action. Incogni will also tackle shadow profiles on your behalf. Requests ignored by data brokers will be repeated.
Continual requests are sent every 60 to 90 days to mitigate the risk of your information being collected, traded, and sold again, and you can use a dashboard to track the progress of data removal requests.
The company is focused on improving its custom removal services and expanding its data broker coverage, which now encompasses over 420 data brokers. A recent Deloitte audit confirmed the company’s coverage claims.
Also: Incogni review
Who it’s for: Everyone. Incogni boasts over 400 million data removals completed to date. It also has some of the best customer feedback of all my recommendations.
Customers report experiencing fewer spam calls and emails and say that their data is removed promptly. That said, some reports may not provide as much in-depth information as some customers want.
If you’re unsure how much information you need removed from the internet, you can opt for the monthly plan and consider a cleanup once or twice a year. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee, making this service an excellent try-before-you-buy option.
Who should look elsewhere: This service is best suited for individuals, so businesses may want to explore other options or consider the dedicated Incogni Ironwall service.
Incogni offers monthly or annual plans. If you want to pay once a year, Incogni’s services will cost you the equivalent of $8 per month. Family plans start at $16 per month.
Incogni also provides DIY guides if you’d prefer to tackle the task yourself.
Incogni features: Data broker management | Data removal request follow-ups | Reports | Shadow profile detection | Progress tracking | User education resources, DIY guides | Individual and family plans | 30-day money-back guarantee | Trustpilot rating: 4.3
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PrivacyBee
Privacy Bee can track where your information is and act on your behalf to remove it from companies you don’t trust, as well as data brokers.
Why we like it: The service checks and monitors search results to remove sensitive information. You can also download a browser extension that displays how your data relates to the sites you visit.
The company can also remove you from marketing databases to reduce the volume of spam and mass emails you receive, and take a proactive approach to handling your information. Privacy Bee will leverage applicable laws, including CCPA and GDPR, to enforce removal requests.
Also: Privacy Bee review
You can use the free Privacy Bee scan, which takes a few minutes after you’ve submitted your email address, to gain a snapshot of how your data is being used. If you don’t mind also giving the company a few other data points, such as your date of birth, the report does provide some useful information.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants comprehensive data deletion with a focus on enforcing data removal from brokers and other third parties. There are also some interesting features, such as digital map house blurring and skilled help escalation for severe data exposures.
Customer reviews suggest that the service is secure and thorough.
Who should look elsewhere: Anyone who wants a budget-friendly option for data removal, as it can quickly become expensive.
While the entry-level plan is now priced at around $8 per month, which brings it in line with some competitors, mass marketing opt-outs and house blurring only come with the Pro plan at $18 per month. If you need expedited data removal, the Privacy Bee Signature plan is approximately $67 per month, which includes the eyes of analysts on your data and expedited removals.
Privacy Bee features: Company checks | Data deletion | Data broker management | Privacy browser extension | User dashboard | Mass marketing opt-outs | 24/7 monitoring | Search engine cleanup | Trustpilot rating: 3.8
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ZDNET
DeleteMe has earned many positive customer reviews, and it’s easy to see why. This user-friendly option will help you remove sensitive and personal information from online sources and data brokers while saving you time and effort.
Why we like it: Being user-friendly is one of DeleteMe’s priorities, as well as maintaining human influence in data removal tasks. Once you’ve submitted your information, the organization will search for it online and send removal requests to third parties holding your data, including hundreds of websites and data brokers. Named brokers include Whitepages, Spokeo, and BeenVerified.
Users can also explore other security features, including email and phone masking. In 2024, the service expanded beyond the US, Europe, and Canada. It recently said it is utilizing artificial intelligence to help tackle dark web and data broker data pools.
In an interview with ZDNET, DeleteMe said it is also exploring vehicle-related data and record removal for its customers as an emerging issue for consumer privacy. Improved Google Street View blurring, Dark Web monitoring, and enhanced identity masking are also in the works.
Recently, Block Party has joined the DeleteMe fold, expanding its privacy offerings to include security issues associated with social media accounts.
Who it’s for: Individuals looking for relatively quick data removal. You will receive a report outlining DeleteMe’s progress within a week. The company says that, on average, 15 public data listings belonging to a searchable subject via Google are removed within “days.” Many customers say the service exceeds expectations.
Who should look elsewhere: Businesses or individuals hoping to tackle data removal themselves. If you are in the latter category, you can also utilize DeleteMe’s guides for additional assistance.
DeleteMe offers a range of plans. These include a subscription for one person, for one year at $8.60 per month, or two years at $6.97 per month. Other subscriptions include a two-person plan for two years, priced at $13.93 per month. Family plans begin at $27.87 per month on a two-year contract.
You can ask for a refund, if necessary, before you receive your first report with DeleteMe’s money-back guarantee.
DeleteMe features: Data broker management | Data deletion request handling | Scanning | User interface | Privacy reports | Custom removal requests | Email and phone masking | Opt-outs | Trustpilot rating: 4.3
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If you’re intrigued by the idea of signing up for a data removal service but you don’t want to be tied into an expensive contract right out of the gate, check out Optery.
Why we like it: You can take advantage of Optery’s free plan before you go up a tier for more advanced, thorough data removal services.
It’s important to note that Optery’s free solution does require your time and effort. Optery will provide you with a report and snapshots of any records found relating to you including an exposure scan of search results and profiles that have been found on websites that might contain your information.
From there, you can use tools, including opt-out guides and links, to send data removal requests.
If you’d prefer that Optery shoulders this task for you, opt for a paid plan starting at $4 per month. You get access to automated data removal from hundreds of websites, monthly scans, reports, expanded coverage for PII variations, and more.
Who it’s for: Optery will suit many individuals who need data removal, and is best suited if you want an affordable plan. It’s also ideal if you want to take on the task yourself.
The majority of public customer reviews are very positive, although some customers are dissatisfied with the time taken for data removal.
Who should look elsewhere: Email support is the firm’s typical approach, and so if you want more communication channels, you might want to look elsewhere.
Optery features: Data broker website management | Free plan | DIY guides | Automatic, human, hybrid approach | Removal reports | Custom removal requests | Trustpilot rating: 4.3
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Kanary
Kanary’s old setup was a proven service for cleaning up your online information. A company now geared towards the tech-savvy generation, Kanary has recently shifted from broad family plans and data removal offerings to a mobile-first, AI-focused solution called Kanary Copilot.
Why we like it: The company has pivoted to offering a free service to combat online stalking and doxxing. With the press of a button, this automated app will attempt to identify and address data leaks, process removal requests, and resolve security issues on your behalf.
So, why is it free? The company says: “We don’t want cost to be a barrier, especially for younger people just establishing their online footprint. We believe online safety should not be limited to executives or celebrities.”
The Android and iOS service is relatively new, but additional integrations have been added as the app has developed. There’s also a paid tier for $10 per month. It includes automatic monthly scans, coverage for up to three variations of records, including names, home addresses, and phone numbers, and progress reports.
Who it’s for: Individuals who want to try out free, mobile-first data removal. If you want a more personalized service, you can contact the company for custom removals and case-by-case services including confidentiality programs and expedited Google removals.
Who should look elsewhere: Anyone who isn’t a US resident, as the service is not yet available outside of the United States.
Existing users will be able to transition from their old accounts this year. Customer feedback indicates that Kanary’s service is reliable, reports are clear and concise, and the service is valuable for the money. Let’s hope the same can be said for the new venture as it grows.
Kanary Copilot features: Mobile user dashboard | Frequent scanning | Enterprise plans | Data removal request management | Strong security standards | Copilot | Combats doxxing
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Norton
Reputation Defender by Norton is a tailored service offered to individuals, professionals, executives, and businesses.
Why we like it: This service differs from our other recommendations. It’s a personalized, custom offering that focuses on managing and cleaning up reputations. This could include online data removal and information deletion from data brokers and people-search websites, as well as the improvement of business visibility over time.
Norton’s offering includes data and reputation management, personal branding assistance, privacy alerts, regular data exposure scanning, and search result visibility management. There’s also content suppression, which some users say can help if there has been a misstep or mistake in their career.
Also: Best password manager for business
Norton has recently rolled out a “reputation card,” available on its home page, which uses the Sentiment AI assistant to show you how others may view you online. It’s quite an interesting service, and as it is free, I recommend that you try it out.
Who it’s for: Individuals who need tailored, custom protection for their reputation and associated assets, or need ongoing, custom protection for their business. The company offers a free consultation, and customers say the support team handles sensitive situations well.
Who should look elsewhere: Anyone who does not need individual consultancy and protection. If you’re looking for quick data removal and you don’t need advanced, expert help, seek another solution.
Prices for Reputation Defender by Norton are available upon request, as the work is personalized to your circumstances.
Reputation Defender features: Personal service | Reputation management | Personal branding | Search result monitoring | Data deletion | Personal consultation | Privacy threat reports | Tackles news articles | Trustpilot rating: 4.4
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Choose this top data removal service… |
If you want… |
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Incogni |
My top pick for an affordable solution to protect yourself and your data. Incogni provides a one-stop shop solution for data protection and managing data brokers. It requires no technical knowledge and is suitable for those who do not want to tackle requests manually. |
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Privacy Bee |
To choose which companies you trust. PrivacyBee allows you to select companies you are comfortable holding your data, as well as select organizations from which you want to delete your information from their records. |
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DeleteMe |
To have information removed from search engines. You submit the information you want removed, and DeleteMe will do the rest. DeleteMe is a great choice for in-depth data removal and custom requests. |
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Optery |
A free service with a variety of flexible plans, dependent on your needs. We like Optery’s approach to granular controls and in-depth record viewing, and you can pick between an automated, human, or hybrid approach. |
|
Kanary Copilot |
A free data removal service. While only available on iOS at the moment, you can take advantage of Kanary’s new, free app to tackle data leaks and automate data removal requests. It might not be as thorough as paid solutions, but it is a start. |
|
Reputation Defender by Norton |
A reputation manager. Reputation Defender is best suited to high-profile individuals and businesses that need constant data leak monitoring and reputation protection. You will need to reach out to them directly to discuss your needs. |
When you’re on the lookout for a service able to reduce your online footprint, consider the following factors:
- Region: Some data removal services work best in specific regions, whereas others can operate across regions divided by different data protection laws. Every provider I’ve listed can handle some degree of US-based requests, but if you want to go further afield, ensure the service you are interested in provides this coverage. For example, some data removal services may also cover the EU, which adheres to stricter data protection laws.
- Brokers: If you have specific data brokers you want to target, explore whether or not they are on coverage lists. It’s better that a company hits high-impact organizations than just works with low-hanging fruit that won’t make much of a difference to your online footprint.
- Ongoing submissions: After trying out different services, I’ve found the best options will automatically — and persistently — send data removal requests on your behalf, as many brokers will simply re-acquire your data in time. Look for this feature.
- Advanced protection: Do you just want a data removal service, or are other security features important to you? Consider whether you also want a service known for reducing spam, for example, one that provides data breach alerts, or one that works well with a virtual private network (VPN) service.
- Reporting: Do you want alerts on each individual data broker tackled, or do you want weekly check-ins? Take a look at the company’s typical practices. As an example, some may provide weekly or monthly reports, depending on your preferences.
- Free trials and features: A free report may help you ascertain the scale of the problem and just how public your information is. Consider signing up for a free report before making a purchase decision.
- Budget: Many of us have numerous subscriptions, from streaming services to insurance, so consider whether a data removal service fits within your monthly or annual budget. You tend to secure the best deals on annual plans, but this means you will have to pay for the full term of service upfront.
When choosing the best data removal services available in 2026, I considered the following factors:
- Price: While making my selection, I aimed to offer a range of options, including affordable subscriptions and plans. Depending on your needs, signing up can be a long-term investment. I have included a variety of data removal solutions with different price points and contract periods, whether you’d prefer a one-time purchase, month-to-month contracts, or annual plans.
- Removal: I focused on services that can scan, monitor, and check online databases and data broker repositories for your personal information and then work on your behalf to have it removed. After all, if you’re paying for a service, you should expect the challenging parts of the process to be handled for you. This also includes submitting follow-up requests.
- Protection: The services listed above also include protective features that may reduce the likelihood of personalized spam calls and phishing emails, as well as trolling, stalking, or identity theft. You may also want, for example, to combine automatic data removal with data breach alerts and antivirus software.
- Frequency: My recommended services can conduct frequent scans on your behalf. While you may want a one-time check-and-deletion session, our information is constantly changing hands. This means your data could reappear online unless removals are monitored and enforced.
- Reports: The services I recommend will often provide a report with each scan to keep you updated on where your data was found, what has been deleted, and, if applicable, what your next steps should be.
- Free trials, reports, and features: I have included data removal solutions that offer free reports and snapshots of your data exposure, allowing you to make the right choice before signing up for a plan. While free trials are uncommon, some of my recommendations offer free, limited plans or trial periods.
- Customer feedback: I keep a close eye on customer feedback and testimonials to ensure a service maintains high standards.
Latest information on data removal
- Microsoft is rolling out new privacy and security features for Teams, including biometric data protection and EXIF metadata removal from shared images.
- Google introduced a new feature in Search to make it easier for users to request the removal of explicit images.
- FedEx accused Apkudo of infringing patents related to mobile devices and data removal.
- We recently reviewed PrivacyBee, a data removal service with a comprehensive dashboard and a variety of interesting, privacy-preserving controls.
- Canadian business process outsourcing company Telus Digital confirmed it faced a security incident after threat actors claimed to have stolen nearly 1 petabyte of data in a multi-month breach.
- A whistleblower claims that the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) violated the law by saving copies of Social Security Numbers to a thumb drive with plans to share the information with his private employer.
- Incogni released new research exploring the data-hungry practices of popular apps and governments.
Data brokers collect and aggregate consumer information based on sources including third-party marketers, public records, online trackers, and social media to build detailed records and profiles. Information collected may include names, ages, physical addresses, contact details, legal and medical details, alongside online behavior and purchase histories.
People-search websites also aggregate data, but they tend to focus on features that allow users to look up individuals. This includes names, contact information, home addresses, location histories, and family connections.
There are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of your name appearing in search results across engines like Google, but it can be a complicated and time-consuming process. Below are some steps to help you get started.
- Use a search engine: Your first action should be to type your name, nicknames, and online handles into a search engine. This step will reveal information anyone can easily find about you and help you plan your next steps, such as which companies to contact for data removal or which accounts to delete.
- Lock down or delete social media accounts: Deletion is the nuclear option, but most social media platforms will have the option to stop your profile from appearing in search engine results. As our profiles — even if they are publicly limited — contain our photos, full name, and more, removing them from search engine queries can help reduce our online footprint. For step-by-step guides, visit Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
- Delete old, unused accounts: Whether it’s shopping sites, social media networks, or forums, each service you use — or have used — may tie your online identity to your personally identifiable information (PII). All of this could be at risk if a data breach occurs. If you do not want to use a dedicated service, consider going through your email and password managers to find active accounts. You will need to access them and request removal manually.
- Clean up forum posts: Forums are often overlooked, but if someone discovers the handles you commonly use, they may be able to find content associated with you. This could now be utterly irrelevant to who you are today, or embarrassing if exposed. Delete old forum posts and preferably remove your accounts entirely.
- Contact webmasters: If you have old accounts without auto-delete features, contact webmasters directly to have your profiles and data deleted. This process will likely be more straightforward if you are in an area covered by regulations such as the EU’s GDPR.
- Request that people finder websites delete your information: People finder websites can be used as “search engines” to look up someone by name, phone number, or other personal information, which can be a privacy nightmare. Opting out and forcing the removal of your information from these organizations, which may buy it from data brokers, can be challenging to do manually, as it may require contacting each service individually. If these organizations prove difficult, deletion could also require understanding applicable privacy and data protection laws to enforce your requests.
- Deactivate email accounts: Our email accounts are often the core platform that ties your digital profiles together, but once they’re gone, they’re gone. When you are ready, delete your email accounts and sign up for new ones to break the common threads across your online services. However, only take this step if you are ready — and completely sure.
If you would like a thorough guide, check out our tips and tricks: How to delete or hide yourself from the internet – 11 effective ways (and most are free)
You can, but your request may be rejected if the company doesn’t believe there are grounds for removal.
You will need to contact Google using this form to request the removal of information you see or to prevent information from appearing in Google search results. Removal requests can be made for:
- Exposed personal identifiable information (PII)
- Explicit images, including nudity and sexual material, such as involuntary, fake pornography
- Images of minors (under 18 years of age)
- Information from websites with “exploitive” removal practices, such as those that demand payment
In some cases — for example, a request to remove links to law enforcement statements or media articles concerning an individual and a prosecution — Google may refuse, as such information could be in the public interest. If Google refuses, it will provide a reason for its decision.
There are numerous ways you can protect your identity online. Experts recommend securing personal information, locking down your social media accounts to friends and connections only, using antivirus software, regularly updating programs and software, and changing your passwords regularly.
Furthermore, if you find “clones” of your identity, such as a fake Facebook or dating app profile, ensure you report the account to the relevant online service.
If you suspect your data has been leaked online, use the Have I Been Pwned service to see if you have been involved in any data breaches. Most of us have, so don’t be surprised if you see you have been involved in a number of breaches — but try to track down associated accounts and, at least, change your passwords.
First, change your name to a nickname or surname that isn’t linked to your true name. This should ensure that photos or linked content will also change.
Next, switching all your content and accounts to private can keep it out of search engines and individual search results. You can also delete all your accounts and potentially file a request with Google to remove content associated with you. This will not always be accepted, especially if such information is considered in the public interest or a deletion request is believed to be without true cause.
Most search engines log your search queries, and some use this information to tailor ads and recommendations. If you want to keep your search queries hidden, I recommend using DuckDuckGo. The service offers a free search engine that does not log your activities, or alternatively, you can use its browser for extra privacy.
The easiest way is to visit Troy Hunt’s HaveIBeenPwned to see the vast troves of data posted online due to company data breaches. Once you have entered your email address, the search engine will reveal if you have been involved in any third-party information leaks. You should consider checking every so often to ensure you are aware of any new data breaches.
There’s no easy way, and unfortunately, it is often outside our control.
Instead of chasing dark web data removal, the best thing you can do is to see what information has been leaked and make it redundant.
For example, if an email-password combination for an online service has been exposed, change it immediately for that service — as well as any other platforms that use the same credentials — and never use that combination again. Using multi-factor authentication, including security keys, can also prevent your online accounts from being compromised.
It is worth it as online threats, phishing, and impersonation are now permanent problems in our lives. This may be especially true for anyone who grew up oversharing and before we understood that once something is online, it is usually there forever. If you want to mask problematic information and cut the links that connect you between different online services, investing in a personal data removal service — at least, for a while — is worth the cost.
Yes, although most are limited to free, initial reports and basic scans. Companies including Optery, Kanary Copilot, and Privacy Bee offer free scans that can help you learn the extent of your data exposure, but you may need to sign up before deletion can take place. Alternatively, most data removal service providers have published do-it-yourself guides.
Latest updates
- April 2026: In ZDNET’s April update, we conducted a thorough review of our guide, adding Optery to our top picks and Privacy Hawk to our alternatives.
- March 2026: In ZDNET’s March update, we confirmed our top picks and added more industry news.
- September 2025: In ZDNET’s September update, we added a visualization chart to showcase data removal service comparisons.
- August 2025: In ZDNET’s August update, we performed editorial changes and added new information related to our top and alternative product picks. We also removed EasyOptOuts from our alternatives.
Other data removal services worth considering
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Privacy Hawk
If you’re most interested in a mobile-first data removal service, check out Privacy Hawk. Available for Android and iOS, Privacy Hawk provides automatic removals, spam reduction, and an in-depth look at what is tracking you.
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Norton
Norton’s Privacy Monitor service focuses on removing your information from people search websites, including your name, contact information, and date of birth, with support agents managing the process on your behalf. The service is available as an add-on to Norton 360 with LifeLock plans.
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Your digital rights.org
Your digital rights.org is a worthwhile resource if you want to undertake data removal yourself, but need help with the first steps. It doesn’t cost you anything except your time, in which you will need to search for organizations and send them data removal requests manually.
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onerep
Onerep is an AI-backed data removal service. Conducting an initial scan to check where your name may appear online is free. Onerep can then attempt to remove information from data brokers. Data points targeted for removal include personal profiles, addresses, and income information. Pricing begins at $8.33 per month.
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We hope that you’ve found our guide on the best data removal services helpful. If you’re looking for more security-related recommendations, we’ve also listed the best antivirus apps of the year for personal protection, alongside the best identity theft protection and credit monitoring services around.