You cannot remove all your information from the internet, but you can remove it from most places that matter
Personal information spreads across the internet in layers. Some of it you put there yourself — a social media profile, a photo you uploaded, a comment you posted. Some of it was put there by other people — a tagged photo, a mention in someone else's post, a public record someone else found. Some of it was collected by data brokers — companies that buy and sell your name, address, phone number, and other details to advertisers and background check services.
You cannot delete information that exists in old archives, cached versions of websites, or screenshots people have saved. But you can remove your information from the places where it actively appears: social media platforms, search results, data broker sites, and public records databases. The process is different for each one, and some require you to contact the site directly.
Key Takeaways
- Social media platforms let you delete your own posts and profile, but you cannot remove tagged photos or mentions posted by other people without asking them first.
- Google Search and Bing let you request removal of specific pages or images from their results, though the pages themselves stay online.
- Data brokers — companies that sell your personal details — operate hundreds of sites, and most require you to submit a removal request on each one individually.
- Public records like property deeds, court filings, and voter registration are harder to remove because they are maintained by government agencies, not private companies.
- Removal requests usually take weeks to process, and some sites will re-list your information later if they collect it again.
Removing posts and profiles you created yourself
Start with the accounts and content you control. On Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn, and most other platforms, you can delete individual posts by finding the post, clicking the menu (usually three dots), and selecting delete. You can also download your data before deleting it — most platforms offer this under Settings or Privacy.
To delete your entire account, go to the platform's settings, find the account deletion or deactivation option, and follow the steps. Deactivation usually hides your profile temporarily; deletion removes it permanently after a waiting period (often 30 days). After deletion, your posts and profile are gone from the platform itself, but Google and other search engines may still have cached versions for weeks or months.
If you have posted personal information like your phone number, address, or email on any public website or forum, search for it on Google first. If it appears in results, you can request removal through Google Search Console (a free tool from Google). This does not delete the information from the website itself — it only removes it from Google's search results.
Removing tagged photos and mentions from other people's posts
When someone else tags you in a photo or mentions you in a post, you cannot delete their content, but you can untag yourself or ask them to remove it. On Facebook and Instagram, you can click the photo or post, find your name in the tag, and select "Remove tag." This hides the tag from your profile but does not remove the post itself.
If you want the post deleted entirely, you have to contact the person who posted it and ask them to take it down. If they refuse and the content violates the platform's rules — for example, it is a nude photo posted without consent — you can report it to the platform. Most platforms have a process for reporting non-consensual intimate images or harassment.
Removing your information from search engines
Google and Bing index billions of web pages. If your personal information appears on a website, it may show up in search results. You cannot remove the information from the website itself through Google, but you can ask Google to stop showing it in results.
To request removal from Google Search, use Google Search Console. Sign in with your Google account, add the website (if you own it) or use the URL removal tool, and submit a removal request for the specific page or image. Google will review your request and usually remove it within a few days, though it may reappear if the page is not updated.
If you do not own the website where your information appears, you can still request removal through Google's removal form, but Google may deny the request if the information is newsworthy or of public interest. For Bing, use the Bing Webmaster Tools removal tool, which works similarly.
Removing your information from data broker websites
Data brokers are companies that collect and sell personal information. They buy data from public records, online forms, and other sources, then resell it to advertisers, employers, and background check services. Common data brokers include Spokeo, BeenVerified, Whitepages, PeopleFinder, and dozens of others.
Most data brokers have an opt-out or removal process on their website, usually under a link like "Privacy" or "Remove My Information." You will typically need to enter your name and sometimes verify your identity by email or phone. Each site has its own process, and there is no single form that removes you from all of them at once.
If a data broker does not have a visible removal option, look for their privacy policy or terms of service. If you still cannot find a removal process, you can send a written request to their mailing address (usually listed in the privacy policy) asking them to delete your information. Keep a copy of your request and any response.
Removal from data brokers is not permanent. If the broker collects your information again from a public source, they may re-list you. Some people request removal every few months, while others use privacy services that monitor data brokers and request removal automatically.
Removing information from public records databases
Public records — property deeds, court filings, voter registration, business licenses — are maintained by government agencies and are legally required to be public. You cannot remove them from the internet entirely, but you can sometimes remove them from specific databases or reduce how easily they can be found.
If your information appears in a public records database run by a private company (like a property records site or court records aggregator), you can contact the company and ask them to remove it. Some will comply; others will not. Government-run databases are harder to remove from because the government controls them, not a private company.
In some states, you can request that your voter registration be kept private, which removes your address from public voter rolls. You can also ask your county assessor to remove your address from property records in some cases, though this is rare. Contact your local government office to learn what options exist in your area.
Removing your information from background check sites
Background check sites like Intelius, MyLife, and GoodHire collect information from public records and data brokers, then sell reports to employers and landlords. Most have removal processes similar to data brokers — look for a "Remove My Information" link on their website.
Some background check sites require you to create an account and dispute the information directly through their platform. Others ask you to email or mail a removal request. If you are concerned about what information they have on file, you can request a copy of your report first — many sites offer a free or low-cost report to the person the report is about.
What to do if removal requests are ignored
If a website ignores your removal request or refuses to remove your information, you have limited options. You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if the site is a data broker or background check company that violates privacy laws. The FTC has authority over how these companies handle personal information.
If the information is defamatory (false and damaging to your reputation), you may be able to pursue legal action, though this is expensive and time-consuming. Some states have laws that require data brokers to honor removal requests, and you may be able to file a complaint with your state's attorney general if a company violates those laws.
For most people, the practical approach is to request removal from the major sites (Google, Facebook, the largest data brokers) and accept that some information will remain in archives, cached pages, or smaller databases you cannot easily reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove my information from Google completely?
No. Google Search removal only removes pages from Google's search results — it does not delete the pages from the websites where they live. If you search for your name months later, the pages may reappear in results if they are still online. To truly remove information, you have to contact the website that hosts it and ask them to delete the page.
How long does it take for information to be removed after I submit a request?
Most platforms and data brokers take one to four weeks to process removal requests. Google Search removal is usually faster — often a few days. Some sites may take longer if they require manual review or identity verification. You can check the status of your request on most platforms by logging into your account.
Will my information come back after I remove it?
Yes, it can. Data brokers often re-collect your information from public sources and re-list you months or years later. Social media platforms may restore deleted accounts if you change your mind within the waiting period. Search engines may re-index pages if they are still online. Removal is not always permanent.
Do I have to pay to remove my information?
No. Legitimate removal requests should always be free. Some data brokers offer paid "privacy" services that monitor and remove your information automatically, but you should never have to pay for a one-time removal. If a site charges you to remove your information, it may be a scam.
What if someone else posted my personal information without permission?
Contact the person who posted it and ask them to take it down. If they refuse, report the post to the platform — most have policies against non-consensual sharing of personal information, intimate images, or harassment. If the information is false and damaging, you may also request removal from Google Search by explaining why it is harmful.