A cross-platform tool to help you remove your personal information from major data brokers all at once.

📘 Windows Users: See README_WINDOWS.md for detailed Windows instructions and batch files.

• Generates a CCPA/GDPR compliant email template for removal requests
• Creates an interactive HTML checklist with direct links to opt-out pages
• Tracks your progress as you submit removal requests
• Includes 25+ major data brokers

cd ~/data-broker-removal
python3 remove_data.py

This generates checklists and templates you use manually.

cd ~/data-broker-removal
# Install dependencies first (one-time)
bash install_selenium.sh

# Run automated tool
python3 auto_optout.py

This opens a browser and helps automate form filling, but still requires your interaction for CAPTCHAs and verification steps.

• Your full name
• Email address
• Optionally: address, city, state, ZIP, phone number

The tool generates three files in the output/ directory:

1. email_template_[timestamp].txt - Email template to send to data brokers
2. removal_checklist_[timestamp].html - Interactive checklist (open in browser)
3. removal_checklist_[timestamp].txt - Printable text version

Run the script and enter your information when prompted:

python3 remove_data.py

Open the generated HTML file in your web browser. This gives you:

• Direct links to each broker's opt-out page
• Checkboxes to track progress
• Progress bar showing completion percentage
• Your information saved locally (persists across browser sessions)

For each data broker:

1. Click "Visit Opt-Out Page"
2. Search for your information on their site (most require this first)
3. Follow their removal process
4. Check the box when complete

• Most brokers send confirmation emails
• Process can take up to 45 days (legal requirement)
• Follow up if you don't hear back

The tool includes 25+ major data brokers:

People Search Sites:

• Spokeo
• WhitePages
• BeenVerified
• Intelius
• PeopleFinders
• Instant Checkmate
• TruthFinder
• TruePeopleSearch
• FastPeopleSearch
• And more...

Data Aggregators:

• Acxiom
• Experian
• Oracle Data Cloud

Each data broker has their own process:

• Web forms: Most common - fill out and submit
• Email requests: Send your removal template
• Photo ID required: Some may ask for ID verification
• Search first: Most require finding your listing before removal

This tool helps you exercise rights under:

• CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
• Other state privacy laws

Data brokers must respond within 45 days by law.

• ✅ Most removals are free
• ⏱️ Takes 1-3 hours to submit all requests
• 📧 You'll receive confirmation emails
• 🔄 Some data may reappear (requires periodic maintenance)

1. Use a dedicated email - Create a new email just for this to avoid spam
2. Take screenshots - Document each submission
3. Keep a log - Note submission dates and confirmation numbers
4. Be patient - Full removal can take 1-2 months
5. Repeat quarterly - Data can be re-added from public records
6. Check social media - Remove personal info from your profiles too

• Try variations of your name
• Use old addresses
• Try phone number searches
• You might not be listed (that's good!)

• Take screenshots
• File complaint with your state AG
• CCPA violations can result in fines

• Customize it for specific brokers
• Keep it professional and cite CCPA/GDPR

Edit data_brokers.json to add more:

{
  "name": "BrokerName",
  "website": "https://example.com",
  "opt_out_url": "https://example.com/opt-out",
  "method": "web_form",
  "email": "[email protected]"
}

Edit the generate_email_template() function in remove_data.py.

This tool runs completely offline and doesn't send any data anywhere. All information stays on your computer.

• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
• CCPA Information
• FTC Identity Theft Guide

Pros:

• ✓ No dependencies needed
• ✓ Complete control
• ✓ Works on any system
• ✓ Generates helpful templates

Cons:

• ✗ Time-consuming (1-3 hours)
• ✗ Repetitive form filling

Pros:

• ✓ Semi-automated form filling
• ✓ Auto-screenshots for records
• ✓ Progress tracking
• ✓ Batch processing

Cons:

• ✗ Requires Selenium + ChromeDriver
• ✗ Still needs manual CAPTCHA solving
• ✗ Some sites detect automation
• ✗ More complex setup

Recommendation: Start with the manual tool to understand the process, then use automation for quarterly maintenance.

This tool is provided as-is to help protect your privacy. For legal questions, consult a privacy attorney.

Remember: Removing your data from brokers is an ongoing process. Set a calendar reminder to repeat this quarterly!