Internet, a web with invisible meshes. Each click, each registration, each publication weaves a digital thread that traces your identity. But what to do when you want to regain control of your private life? How to erase your tracks and disappear from the depths of the web?
This handy guide gives you a detailed roadmap to removing your personal information from the Internet , step by step.
1. Map your digital presence: introspection and inventory
Before you can erase your data, it is crucial to identify it. Start with an introspective assessment :
- Websites and social networks: What accounts have you created? Have you posted photos, comments or personal information?
- Online services and forums: Have you used e-commerce platforms, dating sites or discussion forums?
- Search Engines: What does a search for your name and personal information reveal?
Tools and tips for a comprehensive inventory
- Specialized search engines: Pipl, BeenVerified or Spokeo can find forgotten information.
- Privacy reports: Google, Facebook and other services offer tools to download your data and view the extent of your online presence.
2. Cleaning up your digital footprint: practical guide
Online accounts and services
- Delete unused accounts: Deactivate and delete accounts you no longer use. Don't forget to unsubscribe from newsletters and notifications.
- Change privacy settings: Strengthen the privacy of your active accounts by limiting the visibility of your information and restricting access to data.
- Delete posts and comments: Delete content posted on social networks, forums and websites.
Search engine
- Content Removal Forms: Google, Bing and other search engines offer forms to request the removal of links to pages containing your personal information.
- Right to be forgotten: If you are a European citizen, you can invoke the “ right to be forgotten ” to request the dereferencing of certain links in search results.
3. Tools and resources to support you
- CNIL guide: The National Commission for Information Technology and Liberties (CNIL) offers a complete guide on the deletion of personal data online.
- Deseat.me: This service helps you identify and delete your online accounts in bulk.
- Blur: This app hides your personal information and encrypts your online communications.
- Browser extensions: Privacy Badger and uBlock Origin block trackers and scripts that collect your data.
- Unsubscribe services: Sites like Abine Blur and DeleteMe make it easy to delete your online accounts.
- Google's removal form: Allows you to request the removal of specific content from Google search results.
4. Vigilance and anticipation: preventing the resurgence of your data
- Be careful with the data you share online. Limit the publication of sensitive information and use pseudonyms to protect your anonymity.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Stay informed about new technologies and privacy practices.
5. Consequences and limits of deletion
- Partial deletion: Complete deletion of your data may not be possible, as some copies may persist on backup servers.
- Impact on job search: Removing certain information may harm your online visibility for recruiters.
Conclusion: towards responsible and controlled navigation
Taking back control of your personal data is an act of empowerment and affirmation of your privacy. By following the steps in this guide, you can reduce your digital footprint and browse the internet with confidence. One of the most important actions you can take is to delete accounts you no longer use. This includes social media accounts, online shopping sites, and even online forums. Deleting your AliExpress account , for example, only takes a few minutes and allows you to delete all your personal data from the site.
Never forget: vigilance and proactivity are the keys to a responsible and controlled digital presence.
