How do I remove my personal information from the internet?

The internet, a web of invisible threads. Every click, every registration, every post weaves a digital thread that traces your identity. But what can you do when you want to regain control of your privacy? How can you erase your traces and disappear from the depths of the web?

This practical guide offers you a detailed roadmap to remove your personal information from the Internet , step by step.

1. Mapping your digital presence: introspection and inventory

Before you can delete your data, it's crucial to identify it. Start with some self-reflection :

• 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 unearth forgotten information.
• Privacy reports: Google, Facebook and other services offer tools to download your data and view the extent of your online presence.

2. Clean up your digital footprint: a 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.
• Modify privacy settings: Enhance the privacy of your active accounts by limiting the visibility of your information and restricting access to data.
• Delete posts and comments: Erase content posted on social networks, forums and websites.

Search engines

• 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 removal of certain links from search results.

3. Tools and resources to support you

• CNIL Guide: The National Commission for Information Technology and Freedoms (CNIL) offers a comprehensive guide on deleting personal data online.
• Deseat.me: This service helps you identify and delete your online accounts in bulk.
• Blur: This application masks your personal information and encrypts your online communications.
• Browser extensions such as 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 posting of sensitive information and use pseudonyms to protect your anonymity.
• Use strong and unique passwords for each account.

• Stay informed about new technologies and privacy practices.

5. Consequences and limitations of removal

• Partial deletion: Total deletion of your data may be impossible, as some copies may persist on backup servers.
• Impact on job search: Removing certain information can harm your online visibility to recruiters.

Conclusion: Towards responsible and controlled navigation

Taking back control of your personal data is an act of empowerment and asserting your privacy. By following the steps outlined 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 remove all your personal data from the site.

Never forget: vigilance and proactivity are the keys to a responsible and controlled digital presence.