DeleteMe is a privacy service founded in 2010.
 | |
| Original author(s) | Rob Shavell Eugene Kuznetsov Andrew Sudbury |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Abine |
| Initial release | 2010 |
| Available in | English |
| Website | joindeleteme |
History
editDeleteMe was founded by Rob Shavell, Eugene Kuznetsov, and Andrew Sudbury in 2010.[1][2] It is now an online privacy service provided by Abine.[3][4][5]
Platform
editDeleteMe uses a user's personal details to reach out to data brokers through both automated methods and human intervention, requesting the removal of user data.[6][7][8]
The DeleteMe platform can be accessed through a dashboard that displays updates on tracked data brokers, record reviews, and the current status of user data across various broker platforms.[8] This dashboard also features graphical representations of data management over time.[8] Users can also report unrecognized data brokers via the service's dashboard.[8] In alignment with the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020, when DeleteMe identifies a new broker, users are notified and asked for permission to opt out from that broker.[8][9]
Reception
editIn 2018, DeleteMe was reviewed by Steven Petrow of USA Today.[2] In 2021, DeleteMe was reviewed by Neil J. Rubenking of PCMag.[8]
In 2024, a Consumer Reports study found that DeleteMe removed 27% of results from 13 tested people-search sites within 4 months of sign-up, compared to 70% for manual removals. Among similar services tested, DeleteMe was described as a "midlevel" performer. Consumer reports commented on DeleteMe's privacy policy, which allows for the sale or transfer of user data in the event of a business transaction, saying "Some privacy-minded subscribers might not want their information to be used this way."[10]
References
edit- ^ "About Us". DeleteMe. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
- ^ a b Petrow, Steven. "Delete yourself from the Internet's people finder sites: Is it worth it?". USA Today.
- ^ Schiffer, Zoe (September 11, 2019). "How to erase your personal information from the internet (it's not impossible!)". Vox.
- ^ Munk, Cheryl Winokur (February 10, 2023). "How to delete yourself from the internet". CNBC.
- ^ Fowler, Geoffrey A. (May 31, 2017). "Don't Expose Yourself: A Guide to Online Privacy" – via Wall Street Journal.
- ^ Sengupta, Somini (July 23, 2012). "Parenting Dilemmas in the Age of Facial Recognition". The New York Times.
- ^ "Finding Your Personal Data Online Is Easy. Taking It Down Is Harder". Wall Street Journal.
- ^ a b c d e f "Abine DeleteMe Review". PCMag.
- ^ Captain, Sean (28 June 2022). "How to keep your data from brokers and marketers". Fast Company.
- ^ Grauer, Yael; Kauffman, Victoria; Honeywell, Leigh (2024-08-08). "Evaluating People-Search Site Removal Services" (PDF). Consumer Reports. pp. 7, 10, 11, 16. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-08-13. Retrieved 2024-08-14.