What you can actually delete and what you cannot
You cannot delete information from the entire internet — there is no single off switch. What you can do is remove your information from specific websites where it appears, make it harder to find through search engines, and prevent new information from being posted about you going forward.
Information falls into three categories: data you posted yourself (social media, old accounts, forum posts), data businesses collected about you (data broker sites, marketing lists, background check websites), and information published by others (news articles, public records, review sites). Each category requires a different removal method, and some are easier than others.
Public records — birth certificates, property ownership, court documents — cannot be deleted because they are maintained by government agencies. You can request removal in specific cases (juvenile records, sealed cases, identity theft victims), but this requires going through the agency that holds the record, not the internet.
Key Takeaways
- Start by removing information you posted yourself on social media, email accounts, and old websites, since these are the fastest to delete.
- Data broker websites collect and sell your personal information; you can request removal from each site individually, though the process varies by company.
- Google Search Console lets you request removal of specific pages from Google's search results, which stops new people from finding old content.
- Information published by others (news articles, reviews, mugshots) usually requires contacting the website directly or, in some cases, requesting removal through legal channels.
- Removal is not permanent — information can reappear if someone posts it again, so ongoing monitoring helps catch new postings early.
Remove accounts and content you created yourself
Start here because this is the fastest category to handle. Go through your social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn) and delete old posts, photos, and personal details. On each platform, look for Settings or Privacy, then find options to delete individual posts or deactivate the account entirely. Deactivating hides your profile but may keep some data; deleting the account is more thorough but usually requires waiting 30 days before the data is fully removed.
Check for old email accounts you no longer use. Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook all have account deletion options in their settings. Search for any forums, dating sites, or community websites where you created a profile years ago. Many sites let you delete your account directly; others require you to contact support. Keep a list as you go — you will likely find more accounts than you remember creating.
Search your name in Google and note which results link to pages you created. Visit those websites and look for delete or remove options. If a website no longer exists but still appears in search results, you can request removal through Google Search Console (see the section below on removing pages from search).
Request removal from data broker and people search websites
Data brokers are companies that collect personal information from public records, online purchases, and other sources, then sell it to marketers, employers, and others. Common data broker sites include Spokeo, BeenVerified, Whitepages, PeopleFinder, and Intelius. These sites display your name, address, phone number, email, and sometimes family members' information.
Each data broker has its own removal process — there is no single form that works across all of them. Visit the site, search for your name, and look for a "Remove My Information" or "Privacy" link, usually at the bottom of the page. Click it and follow the steps, which typically involve confirming your identity by email or phone. Some sites remove information within days; others take weeks. Keep records of when you submitted each request.
If a data broker site does not offer a removal option or ignores your request, document this and consider filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC investigates data broker practices, though this does not may provide removal from that specific site.
Remove pages from Google Search results
Even if you delete content from a website, Google's search results may still show a link to that old page. Use Google Search Console to request removal. Go to google.com/webmasters/tools, sign in with a Google account, and add your website (or the website where your information appears). Search for your name or the specific page URL, then click "Request Removal." Google will stop showing that link in search results within a few days, though the page itself still exists on the original website.
If you do not own the website where your information appears, you cannot use Search Console. Instead, visit the website directly and request that the page be deleted or updated. If the website owner refuses and the content violates Google's policies (such as explicit images posted without consent), you can report it to Google through their removal request form at google.com/webmasters/tools/removals.
Removing a page from Google Search does not remove it from other search engines like Bing or Yahoo, though the process is similar. Bing has its own Webmaster Tools, and Yahoo uses Bing's index, so removing from Bing covers both.
Handle information published by others
News articles, mugshot websites, review sites, and social media posts by other people are harder to remove because you do not control the content. Start by contacting the website directly. Most news outlets have a corrections or feedback form; explain why the information is inaccurate or outdated and request removal or correction. News sites rarely delete articles, but they may update them or add context.
Mugshot websites (sites that republish arrest records and charge fees to remove them) are a common problem. Many states now have laws requiring these sites to remove mugshots on request, especially if charges were dropped or you were found not guilty. Check your state's attorney general website for specific laws. If a mugshot site ignores removal requests, file a complaint with your state's attorney general or the FTC.
For reviews or comments posted about you on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, or Amazon, report them to the site if they violate the terms of service (false claims, harassment, spam). Most platforms have a "Report" or "Flag" button. If the review is factually false and damaging, you may be able to request removal, though platforms are often reluctant to delete negative reviews.
Monitor for new postings and prevent future information leaks
Set up a Google Alert for your name so you receive an email whenever your name appears in new search results. This helps you catch new postings early, when they are easier to remove. Use the alert to identify websites posting about you and contact them before the information spreads further.
Prevent new information from being posted by adjusting your privacy settings on social media and email. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication so your accounts cannot be hacked and used to post information about you. Be cautious about what you share online — the easiest information to remove is information you never posted in the first place.
If you are concerned about identity theft or stalking, consider a credit freeze through Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. This prevents new accounts from being opened in your name and stops credit bureaus from sharing your information with lenders. A freeze is free and can be lifted temporarily when you need credit.
When to contact a lawyer or removal service
If your information involves explicit images posted without consent, active harassment, or defamation that is harming your reputation or safety, consult a lawyer. Some states have laws against non-consensual pornography, cyberstalking, and defamation that may allow you to force removal or sue the person who posted the content.
Removal services charge fees to handle the process for you, contacting data brokers and websites on your behalf. These services can save time if you have extensive information across many sites, but they cannot remove information that you could not remove yourself — they simply do the work for you. Research any service carefully and check reviews before paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove my information from Google completely?
No. Google Search Console removes pages from search results, but the pages still exist on their original websites. To fully remove information, you must delete it from the source website itself. Even then, other search engines, archived versions, and data brokers may still have copies.
How long does it take to remove information from data broker sites?
Most data brokers remove information within 5 to 30 days of your request. Some sites are faster; others take longer. Keep records of your requests and follow up if information is not removed within a month. Some sites require you to verify your identity by email or phone before processing removal.
What if a website refuses to remove my information?
Contact the website's support team in writing and explain why the information should be removed. If they still refuse and the content violates their terms of service or is illegal (such as explicit images without consent), file a complaint with the FTC or your state's attorney general. For search results, use Google's removal request form.
Will removing my information from Google prevent people from finding it?
Removing from Google Search makes it much harder to find, but not impossible. The information still exists on the original website and may appear in other search engines, archived websites, or data brokers. Complete removal requires deleting the information from every source where it appears.
Do I need to pay for information removal?
No. You can remove your own information for free by contacting websites directly, using Google Search Console, and requesting removal from data brokers. Paid removal services do the work for you but charge fees — they do not have access to removal methods that you cannot use yourself.