DeleteMe

Last updated
DeleteMe
Original author(s) Rob Shavell
Eugene Kuznetsov
Andrew Sudbury
Developer(s) Abine
Initial release2010;15 years ago (2010)
Available inEnglish
Website joindeleteme.com

DeleteMe is an American internet data privacy service founded in 2010.

Contents

History

DeleteMe 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

DeleteMe 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

In 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]

In 2025, the New York Times Wirecutter review section called DeleteMe the "best data removal service," citing its ease of use and setup. "It’s comprehensive—covering names, addresses, and even relatives—but flexible enough that you don’t need to remember every little detail to reap the benefits," the review concluded. [11]

References

  1. ↑ "About Us". DeleteMe. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  2. 1 2 Petrow, Steven. "Delete yourself from the Internet's people finder sites: Is it worth it?". USA Today .
  3. ↑ Schiffer, Zoe (September 11, 2019). "How to erase your personal information from the internet (it's not impossible!)". Vox .
  4. ↑ Munk, Cheryl Winokur (February 10, 2023). "How to delete yourself from the internet". CNBC .
  5. ↑ Fowler, Geoffrey A. (May 31, 2017). "Don't Expose Yourself: A Guide to Online Privacy" – via Wall Street Journal.
  6. ↑ Sengupta, Somini (July 23, 2012). "Parenting Dilemmas in the Age of Facial Recognition". The New York Times .
  7. ↑ "Finding Your Personal Data Online Is Easy. Taking It Down Is Harder". Wall Street Journal .
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Abine DeleteMe Review". PCMag .
  9. ↑ Captain, Sean (28 June 2022). "How to keep your data from brokers and marketers". Fast Company .
  10. ↑ 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.
  11. ↑ Eddy, Max. "The Best Data Removal Services". Archived from the original on 2025-06-26. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
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