What is the best way to stop marketers and data brokers from collecting and selling my personal data?

Stopping data brokers and marketers from harvesting and selling your personal information requires a two-pronged approach: cleaning up the data already out there and blocking the pipelines they use to collect new data.

Because data brokers continuously re-scrape public records and buy new consumer profiles, it is an ongoing maintenance process rather than a one-time fix.

Step 1: Remove Existing Data (The Cleanup)

You have two main paths to get your information off "people search" and data broker sites (like Whitepages, Spokeo, and Radaris):

1. Use automated removal services: Manually opting out of hundreds of individual data broker sites is exhausting. Paid subscription services handle this continuously by scanning for your info and submitting deletion requests on your behalf.
   • Top-tier automated choices include Incogni (great value and deep automation), DeleteMe (robust human-managed removal), and Optery (transparent and thorough reporting).
2. Leverage official state/public platforms (If eligible): If you live in California, you can use the official state-run California Privacy Protection Agency DROP Platform to submit free, legally binding deletion requests across all registered data brokers. For DIY opt-outs, resources like the Privacy Guides Data Broker List provide direct links to opt-out pages for major aggregators.

Step 2: Stop Future Collection (The Defense)

If you don't plug the holes, your data will reappear within months. Cut off the supply chain with these daily habits:

• Use masked emails and virtual cards: Never give out your primary personal email or real credit card to random online retailers. Use tools like SimpleLogin or DuckDuckGo Email Protection to create disposable alias emails, and virtual credit card services like Privacy.com to shield your financial identity.
• Tighten browser and cookie settings: Block third-party tracking cookies in your browser (or use privacy-first browsers like Firefox, Brave, or Safari). Install an extension like uBlock Origin to block tracking scripts.
• Limit app permissions on your phone: Go into your iOS or Android privacy settings and revoke location and tracking permissions for apps that don't strictly need them. Turn off "Allow Apps to Request to Track."
• Opt out of targeted advertising industry-wide: Visit the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) Opt-Out Page and the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) Consumer Choice Page to opt out of behavioral advertising from participating corporate marketers with a single click.

If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:

• Are you looking for a completely free (DIY) method or are you open to a paid automated service?
• Do you live in a state with strong privacy laws (like California or Texas)?

The most effective approach is layered: remove yourself from major data brokers, reduce the data you create going forward, and use privacy controls wherever companies collect information. No single switch stops all collection because marketers get data from many sources (apps, websites, public records, retailers, loyalty programs, and brokers).

1. Opt out of major data brokers

Data brokers compile information from many sources and sell or share profiles for marketing and other purposes. Consumer Advice Start with:

• People-search sites (often the easiest to find):

• Search your name, phone number, and addresses on major people-finder sites.

• Use their “opt out,” “remove my information,” or “privacy request” pages.

• Marketing and identity brokers:

• Submit deletion/opt-out requests directly through their privacy portals.

• Repeat periodically because data can reappear when new records are collected.

If you live in a state with privacy rights, use them. Many state privacy laws provide rights such as knowing what data companies have, requesting deletion, and opting out of certain sales or targeted advertising.

2. Turn on browser privacy protections

Do this on every browser you use:

• Enable blocking of third-party cookies.
• Disable “personalized ads” where available.
• Use a privacy-focused browser or privacy extensions.
• Consider enabling Global Privacy Control (GPC) if your browser supports it; it can send an opt-out preference signal to participating websites.

3. Lock down your phone

Phones are major sources of tracking data.

• Review app permissions every few months:

• Location → “Only while using” or off unless needed.

• Contacts → deny unless essential.

• Photos, microphone, Bluetooth → restrict.

• Delete apps you no longer use.

• Disable advertising identifiers:

• iPhone: limit ad tracking and review app tracking permissions.

• Android: reset/delete your advertising ID and review ad personalization settings.

Location data can reveal sensitive information, and regulators have taken action against companies for selling sensitive location information.

4. Stop feeding marketing databases

Small habits add up:

• Don’t use your main email for every store signup.
• Use email aliases for shopping, newsletters, and trials.
• Avoid filling out unnecessary “optional” profile fields.
• Don’t join loyalty programs unless the discount is worth the data tradeoff.
• Use a secondary phone number for low-trust signups.

5. Remove old accounts

Old accounts are a privacy liability.

• Search your email for:

• “welcome”

• “verify email”

• “account created”

• “unsubscribe”

• Delete accounts you no longer use.

• Request deletion rather than simply uninstalling an app.

6. Reduce public exposure

Check:

• Social media privacy settings.
• Old posts and photos.
• Public profiles on professional, shopping, and community sites.
• Data brokers that list your address, relatives, phone numbers, or employment history.

The FTC notes that people-search sites can aggregate information from public records and other sources, and opting out generally requires submitting requests to each service.

7. Consider an automated removal service

Paid privacy-removal services can save time by repeatedly submitting opt-outs. Before using one, check:

• Which brokers it covers.
• Whether it removes data or only suppresses listings.
• How often it rechecks.
• Whether it gives you reports of completed removals.

A practical “maximum impact” checklist

If you only do a few things:

1. Enable browser anti-tracking protections.
2. Remove yourself from the biggest people-search sites.
3. Delete unused accounts.
4. Restrict phone app permissions.
5. Use aliases instead of your main email for marketing.
6. Repeat the broker cleanup every few months.

You probably cannot make your information disappear completely, but you can significantly reduce how easily companies can build and sell a profile about you.

Stopping data brokers and marketers completely is nearly impossible because they continually scrape public records, social media, and marketing databases. However, you can significantly reduce your digital footprint and stop the vast majority of commercial data harvesting through a combination of manual opt-outs, automated tools, and better digital hygiene.

1. Automate or Manually Opt Out of Data Brokers

People-search sites and major brokers (like Acxiom, Spokeo, Whitepages) compile your name, address, and phone number.

• Automated Removal Services: Because brokers constantly re-list information after you delete it, continuous monitoring is required . Reputable paid services like DeleteMe, Incogni , or Optery automatically submit removal requests and re-scan every few months.
• State-Specific Tools: If you live in California, you can use the official state Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) to submit a single deletion request to hundreds of registered data brokers.
• Do It Yourself: If you prefer not to pay, you can manually visit major data brokers' individual "Opt-Out" or "Do Not Sell/Share" pages (such as Acxiom's Opt-Out page ). Be prepared to spend several hours tracking them down and verifying requests via email.

2. Cut Off the Sources of New Data

Data brokers don't just guess your info; they buy it from apps, websites, and loyalty programs.

• Use Alias/Burner Emails and Numbers: Stop giving your primary email and phone number to online retailers, restaurants, or Wi-Fi login portals. Use email aliasing services (like Apple's Hide My Email, Firefox Relay, or SimpleLogin) and a secondary VoIP number (like Google Voice) for sign-ups.
• Delete Unused Accounts and Apps: Old mobile apps and forgotten web accounts are frequently breached or sell inactive user lists. Close accounts you no longer use.
• Opt Out of Credit Bureau Marketing Lists: The major credit reporting agencies package and sell consumer data. You can permanently stop them from sharing your info for unsolicited credit/insurance offers at OptOutPrescreen.com.

3. Change Your Browser and Device Settings

• Block Trackers and Use Privacy Tools: Use browsers or extensions that block cross-site tracking cookies and fingerprinting (e.g., Brave, Firefox with strict tracking protection, or Safari).
• Turn Off Ad Personalization: Visit the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) Opt-Out Page and the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) Consumer Choice Page to opt out of targeted behavioral advertising from participating companies instantly.
• Limit App Tracking on Mobile: On iOS and Android, go into your privacy settings and disable app tracking authorization, and turn off precise location sharing for apps that don't strictly need it to function.

If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:

• Are you looking for a free DIY approach or do you prefer a paid automated service?
• Which specific device or operating system (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac) are you most concerned about securing?

The best approach is layered: remove data already out there, stop new collection where you can, and reduce the amount you give companies in the first place. You probably can't make yourself completely invisible, but you can substantially reduce your exposure.

1. Start with data brokers and people-search sites

This is usually the highest-impact step. Data brokers aggregate information from many sources and sell profiles containing things such as addresses, relatives, employment history, and other identifying information.

• Search for yourself using your name, phone number, email address, and current/old addresses.
• Opt out of every people-search/data-broker site where you appear.
• Keep a spreadsheet of the sites, date submitted, and confirmation.
• Recheck periodically. The FTC notes that information can reappear when the underlying data changes.
• You can pay a reputable removal service to automate this, but check how many sites it covers and whether it repeatedly resubmits removals rather than doing a one-time cleanup.

If you're a California resident: the process is dramatically easier now. California's DROP (Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform) allows residents to submit one deletion request covering registered data brokers. Data brokers began processing those requests August 1, 2026.

2. Turn off advertising/tracking wherever possible

On your phone, computer, and browsers:

• Disable unnecessary location permissions, particularly "Always" access.
• Disable advertising personalization / tracking where your operating system provides the option.
• Use a browser with strong anti-tracking protection.
• Block third-party cookies and unnecessary cross-site tracking.
• Review the privacy settings of Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, TikTok, etc.
• Don't automatically grant apps access to your contacts, microphone, camera, photos, or precise location.

The FTC specifically recommends reviewing browser, phone, app, and connected-device privacy settings and opting out of targeted advertising.

3. Stop feeding the data-broker ecosystem

This is more important than it sounds.

When signing up for something, ask:

Does this company actually need this information to provide the service? For example, don't provide a birth date when an ordinary website merely needs to know you're over 18. Don't give an app your contacts just because it asks.

Also:

• Use a separate email address for newsletters, retailers, and low-trust services.
• Avoid using your phone number as your identifier when it's optional.
• Delete old accounts you no longer use.
• Don't fill out "personality," shopping-preference, or demographic surveys unnecessarily.
• Don't publish your birthday, home address, phone number, or family information publicly.

The FTC warns that ordinary shopping and app activity can be collected, combined with other information, and passed to data brokers.

4. Exercise privacy rights when companies offer them

Look for options labeled:

• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Opt out of targeted advertising
• Limit use of sensitive personal information
• Delete my personal information
• Do not use my information for profiling

Don't confuse "delete my account" with "delete my personal information." They aren't necessarily the same thing.

Your exact rights depend heavily on where you live. State privacy laws are increasingly giving consumers rights to access, delete, correct, and opt out of certain uses of their information.

5. Lock down the big sources of tracking

I'd prioritize these:

Phone → browser → Google/Apple account → social media → shopping accounts → smart-TV/device accounts → loyalty programs.

For each one, review:

1. What data is being collected?
2. Is location necessary?
3. Is personalized advertising enabled?
4. Is data being shared with "partners"?
5. Can you delete historical activity?
6. Can you opt out of sale/sharing?

6. Don't obsess over cookies while ignoring your identity

Blocking cookies helps, but your email address, phone number, name, purchase history, loyalty-card activity, and physical address can be much more valuable identifiers.

For example, if dozens of companies know that [email protected] belongs to the same person, deleting browser cookies doesn't necessarily prevent them from connecting your activity.

That's why I would prioritize data-broker removal + account privacy settings + minimizing information you hand over rather than relying solely on an ad blocker.

My recommended "80/20" plan

If you want maximum benefit without turning privacy into a full-time job:

1. Remove yourself from people-search/data-broker sites.
2. Opt out of personalized advertising and sale/sharing at major services.
3. Restrict phone location and app permissions.
4. Use a privacy-focused browser with tracker blocking.
5. Delete unused online accounts.
6. Use separate email addresses for important accounts vs. retailers/newsletters.
7. Stop providing optional personal information.
8. Repeat the broker-removal process every 6–12 months.

And importantly, you don't need to pay anyone to do all of this. The FTC explicitly describes doing people-search opt-outs yourself for free.

If you tell me what state you live in, I can give you a concrete, prioritized checklist of the privacy rights available to you and the specific opt-outs I'd do first.

For example, if dozens of companies know that [email protected] belongs to the same person, deleting browser cookies doesn't necessarily prevent them from connecting your activity.

That's why I would prioritize data-broker removal + account privacy settings + minimizing information you hand over rather than relying solely on an ad blocker.

My recommended "80/20" plan

If you want maximum benefit without turning privacy into a full-time job:

1. Remove yourself from people-search/data-broker sites.
2. Opt out of personalized advertising and sale/sharing at major services.
3. Restrict phone location and app permissions.
4. Use a privacy-focused browser with tracker blocking.
5. Delete unused online accounts.
6. Use separate email addresses for important accounts vs. retailers/newsletters.
7. Stop providing optional personal information.
8. Repeat the broker-removal process every 6–12 months.

And importantly, you don't need to pay anyone to do all of this. The FTC explicitly describes doing people-search opt-outs yourself for free.

The best approach is layered: remove yourself from data brokers, turn off ad tracking, minimize what companies can collect, and periodically repeat the process. There’s no single setting that makes you invisible.

Since you're in Texas, you have an especially useful legal lever: the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA) gives consumers rights to delete personal data and opt out of its sale and targeted advertising.

The highest-impact steps

1. Opt out of data brokers and people-search sites. Search your name, phone number, email, and old addresses on people-search sites such as Whitepages, Spokeo, BeenVerified, Radaris, etc., and use their privacy/opt-out procedures. The FTC recommends doing this individually or using a reputable opt-out service; unfortunately, information can reappear, so periodic checks matter.
2. Exercise your Texas privacy rights with companies you actually use. Look for “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information,” “Opt out of targeted advertising,” or privacy-request links in account settings/privacy policies. Texas law specifically provides rights to opt out of sale and targeted advertising.
3. Kill advertising identifiers and cross-site tracking.

• On your phone, reset/disable the advertising ID and limit ad tracking.
• In browsers, block third-party cookies and cross-site tracking.
• Use a privacy-focused browser such as Firefox, Brave, or Safari with tracking protections enabled.
• Don't routinely sign into websites with your Google/Facebook/Apple account when an independent login is available.

4. Reduce the data you give companies in the first place. Don't provide your phone number, birthday, home address, or demographic information unless it's genuinely necessary. Use a separate email address for shopping/newsletters and a secondary phone number where practical.
5. Lock down your major accounts. Review Google, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, your mobile carrier, and similar accounts. Delete old accounts you no longer use and turn off unnecessary personalization, location history, activity tracking, and ad personalization.
6. Use a credit freeze. A freeze at the three major credit bureaus is free and prevents most new-credit applications from being opened in your name. It doesn't stop marketing data collection, but it's an excellent way to reduce the damage that exposed personal information can cause.
7. Repeat the process. Opting out isn't necessarily permanent. The FTC notes that people-search information can reappear, particularly when underlying public records change.

One big exception: California's new system

If you are a California resident, there's now a remarkably powerful shortcut: California's DROP (Delete Request and Opt-out Platform) lets you submit one request to 600+ data brokers to delete your information and stop selling it. Data brokers began processing those requests on August 1, 2026.

Should you pay a privacy service?

Maybe, but it's not necessary for everyone. DIY opt-outs cost nothing but time. A paid service can be worthwhile if you have a large online footprint or don't want to spend several hours submitting requests and then monitoring for reappearance.

I'd prioritize legal opt-outs + tracker blocking + data minimization before paying anyone.

If you want the biggest privacy improvement with the least effort

I'd do these five things first:

• Opt out of the major people-search/data-broker sites.
• Submit deletion/opt-out requests to companies you already have accounts with.
• Disable personalized advertising and tracking on your phone and major online accounts.
• Use a privacy-oriented browser with strong tracker blocking.
• Freeze your credit reports.

That combination won't make you completely anonymous, but it can dramatically reduce the amount of commercially available information about you.

If you'd like, I can also give you a Texas-specific, step-by-step privacy cleanup checklist (with the exact sites to visit and what to click).

If you want the biggest privacy improvement with the least effort

I'd do these five things first:

• Opt out of the major people-search/data-broker sites.
• Submit deletion/opt-out requests to companies you already have accounts with.
• Disable personalized advertising and tracking on your phone and major online accounts.
• Use a privacy-oriented browser with strong tracker blocking.
• Freeze your credit reports.

That combination won't make you completely anonymous, but it can dramatically reduce the amount of commercially available information about you.

If you'd like, I can also give you a Texas-specific, step-by-step privacy cleanup checklist (with the exact sites to visit and what to click).

Stopping marketers and data brokers from collecting and selling your personal data is a game of whack-a-mole , but you can drastically reduce your digital footprint. Because data brokers continuously re-scrape public records, social media, and marketing lists, complete and permanent elimination is difficult, but layering a few strategies makes you a much harder target.

The most effective, multi-tiered approach involves the following steps:

1. Use Automated Data Removal Services

There are thousands of data broker and people-search sites in the US alone. Manually opting out of each one takes hundreds of hours, and because brokers relist your info, you have to repeat it every few months.

• The Solution: Paid subscription services automate this ongoing process.
• Top Options: Services like Incogni (widely praised for broad coverage and regular re-submissions), DeleteMe (strong human-verified coverage), and Optery (noted for high effectiveness and visual exposure reports) constantly scan for your data and force brokers to take it down.
• State-Specific Tools: If you live in California, you can utilize the state's free Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) to submit a single deletion request to hundreds of registered data brokers.

2. Opt Out at the Source (Credit Bureaus & Direct Marketing)

Major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and marketing associations function as massive data pipelines.

• Stop Pre-Screened Offers: Go to OptOutPrescreen.com to officially opt out of unsolicited credit and insurance card offers driven by credit data.
• Direct Marketing Association: Register on the Data & Marketing Association (DMA) Consumer Assistance website to reduce junk mail and marketing calls.

3. Starve the Trackers on Your Devices

Marketers buy behavioral data gathered by cookies, mobile apps, and pixel trackers.

• Limit Ad Tracking: On your phone, go to your privacy settings and turn on Limit Ad Tracking or Request App Trackers Not to Track.
• Use Privacy-First Browsers/Extensions: Use browsers like Firefox (with Mozilla Monitor for breach alerts) or Brave, and install extensions like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger to block invisible third-party trackers.
• Use a VPN: A reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) prevents your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from logging and selling your browsing history.

4. Practice "Data Minimization" moving forward

• Burner Emails & Numbers: Use alias email services (like Apple's Hide My Email or SimpleLogin) and secondary phone numbers for online shopping, newsletter signups, or one-off account creations.
• Audit Old Accounts: Delete old, forgotten web profiles and unused apps. Every dormant account is a potential data breach or data-harvesting source.

If you'd like to narrow this down, tell me:

• Do you live in a state with strong privacy laws (like California)?
• Are you looking for a free DIY approach or open to a paid automated service?

I can help you prioritize your next steps.

The best approach is layered: stop new collection where you can, exercise legal opt-outs/deletion rights, and periodically remove data that has already leaked into broker databases. You probably can’t make yourself completely invisible, but you can substantially reduce your exposure.

My recommended privacy plan

1. Turn on Global Privacy Control (GPC). GPC sends websites a browser-level “do not sell/share my data” signal. It has legal significance in some states, including California.
2. Opt out directly from major data brokers and people-search sites. Search for yourself using your name, phone number, email, and old addresses. When you find a listing, use its “opt out,” “remove my information,” or “do not sell” process. The FTC recommends doing this periodically because information can reappear.
3. Use your state's privacy laws. Depending on where you live, you may have rights to:

• Know what companies have about you
• Delete your information
• Opt out of its sale/sharing
• Opt out of targeted advertising

These rights vary considerably by state. California Attorney General 4. Reduce what companies can collect in the first place.

• Deny unnecessary location/contact/microphone permissions.
• Disable personalized advertising.
• Reject optional cookies/tracking.
• Don't give retailers your phone number or email unless there's a reason.
• Use separate email addresses for shopping, financial accounts, and general sign-ups.
• Delete old accounts you no longer use.

The FTC specifically recommends reviewing app permissions, cookie choices, and browser privacy settings. Consumer Advice 5. Lock down your phone and advertising IDs. Reset/disable your mobile advertising identifier where your OS permits, restrict location access to “while using,” and review which apps have access to contacts, photos, Bluetooth, and precise location. 6. Don't overlook loyalty programs. Grocery stores, pharmacies, retailers, websites, and apps can build detailed profiles from purchases and behavior. If you don't need the rewards, consider not joining—or use the privacy controls available through the program. 7. Repeat the process. Data deletion isn't necessarily permanent: information can be collected again from public records, other companies, or new activity. The FTC explicitly recommends periodically checking people-search sites.

If you want the biggest payoff for the least effort

I'd do these five things first:

GPC → data-broker opt-outs → phone privacy settings → delete unused accounts → stop giving out your primary email/phone unnecessarily.

One particularly important update: if you're a California resident, there's now a much easier option. California's DROP (Delete Request and Opt-out Platform) lets residents submit one request to more than 500 registered data brokers. Data brokers began having to process those deletion requests on August 1, 2026.

If you tell me what state/country you live in, I can give you a specific step-by-step privacy cleanup checklist, including which data brokers to opt out of and the official opt-out pages to use.

Stopping marketers and data brokers from harvesting and selling your personal data requires a combination of automated defense, legal opt-outs, and everyday hygiene . Because data brokers continuously re-acquire information, complete eradication is impossible, but you can drastically reduce your digital footprint.

Here is the most effective, multi-layered strategy to take back your privacy:

1. Use Automated Data Broker Removal Services

Manually opting out of hundreds of individual data broker registries takes dozens of hours, and brokers will just re-list your information months later. Automated services continuously submit removal requests on your behalf.

• Incogni: Frequently rated as a top overall pick for its broad broker coverage and competitive annual pricing.
• DeleteMe: A long-standing industry standard that uses human reporting experts to handle stubborn broker profiles.
• Optery: Known for precision reporting, offering visual screenshot proofs of your data being removed.
• Note for California Residents: You can utilize the state's official Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) to send batch deletion requests to hundreds of registered brokers.

2. Leverage Direct Opt-Outs and Removal Tools

Before or alongside a paid service, you can block specific pipelines yourself:

• Google Search Removals: You can request that Google remove personal contact info (phone numbers, home addresses, emails) from appearing in search results via the Google Personal Info Removal Tool. (Note: This removes it from Google search, but not the source website).
• OptOutPrescreen: Stop credit reporting agencies from selling your data to credit card and insurance marketers for pre-screened offers by visiting OptOutPrescreen.com.
• Direct Marketing Association (DMA): Register with DMAchoice to reduce unsolicited mail and marketing calls.

3. Starve the Data Pipeline at the Source

Data brokers often get your information because you hand it over willingly or through tracking cookies. Tighten your daily habits:

• Use Aliases and Burner Info: Never use your primary email address for one-time guest checkouts, public Wi-Fi sign-ins, or sweepstakes. Use built-in tools like Apple’s Hide My Email or dedicated alias services like SimpleLogin or AddGuard/Firefox Relay.
• Use a Password Manager: Prevent credential stuffing and cross-site tracking by utilizing unique, complex passwords everywhere (via 1Password or Bitwarden).
• Block Trackers and Use a VPN: Surf with privacy-focused browsers like Brave or Firefox with enhanced tracking protection, and route your traffic through a trusted VPN like NordVPN or Mullvad to mask your IP and general location from ad-tech networks.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Whether you prefer a free manual approach or a paid automated service
• If you are looking to protect a specific mobile operating system (iOS vs. Android) or desktop setup

I can tailor a step-by-step checklist for your specific devices.

The most effective approach is layered privacy: reduce what you give away, block common tracking, and opt out of the biggest data brokers. You probably cannot make your data disappear completely, but you can significantly reduce how much is collected and sold.

1. Remove yourself from data broker databases

Data brokers collect information from public records, apps, websites, purchases, and other sources, then sell or share profiles for marketing and other uses.

Start with:

• Search your name, phone number, and address on major people-search sites.
• Use each site’s “opt out” or “remove my information” process.
• Repeat periodically because records can reappear as databases update.

Common targets include:

• People-search sites (address, phone, relatives)
• Marketing databases
• Property/real-estate data aggregators
• Background-report sites

You can do this manually, or use a paid removal service if you value time over cost. The FTC notes that these services vary, so check how many sites they cover and whether they continue monitoring after removal.

2. Turn off ad tracking where you can

On your devices:

Phone

• Disable ad personalization.
• Restrict location access: - Set apps to “only while using” location when possible.
• Remove location permission from apps that do not need it.
• Delete apps you do not use.

Browser

• Block third-party cookies.
• Use privacy-focused browser settings.
• Install a reputable tracker blocker.

The FTC recommends reviewing browser, phone, and app privacy settings and opting out of targeted advertising where available.

3. Stop feeding the data machine

Small changes add up:

• Do not use your primary email for every store, giveaway, or newsletter.
• Use email aliases for sign-ups.
• Avoid quizzes and “free” offers that request personal details.
• Do not provide your birthday, phone number, or address unless necessary.
• Avoid connecting apps with “Sign in with Facebook/Google” when a separate account works.
• Remove old accounts you no longer use.

4. Lock down social media

Review:

• Public profile visibility
• Friend/follower lists
• Location tagging
• Old posts
• Photos containing addresses, workplaces, children, or routines

Data brokers often combine public information with commercial sources.

5. Use privacy rights available in your location

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to:

• Request what companies collected about you
• Delete personal data
• Opt out of selling or sharing data

For example, California residents have additional tools, including a state-run data broker deletion platform. privacy.ca.gov Other states have different privacy laws and rights.

6. Be careful with apps and location data

Location data is especially sensitive because it can reveal where you live, work, worship, receive services, or spend time. Regulators have taken action against brokers for selling sensitive location information.

Good habits:

• Avoid granting “always allow” location access.
• Disable background location for most apps.
• Avoid installing apps from unknown developers.

7. Protect your identity from exposure

Also consider:

• Credit freezes with the three major credit bureaus.
• Strong unique passwords and a password manager.
• Multi-factor authentication.
• Removing your phone number from unnecessary accounts.

A practical “privacy cleanup weekend” checklist

1. Freeze your credit.
2. Remove yourself from the biggest people-search sites.
3. Review phone app permissions.
4. Turn off ad personalization.
5. Delete unused accounts.
6. Set up email aliases.
7. Repeat a data-broker search every few months.

The biggest gains usually come from data broker opt-outs + reducing app tracking + changing your sign-up habits. Those three steps address a large portion of how marketers build profiles about you.

Stopping data brokers and marketers completely is nearly impossible because they operate on an industrial scale, but you can dramatically shrink your digital footprint and make it much harder for them to profit off your personal information.

The most effective strategy combines automated removal services, manual opt-outs , and preventative habits.