How to Opt Out of Data Collection by Data Brokers

Whenever you accept the privacy policy and terms of service of any application or website, there is a possibility that some of your data will be sold. Information brokers, also known as data brokers, are organizations whose entire business model involves collecting your personal data and selling it to advertisers. This may include information such as your name, age, interests, gender, marital status and more. There is little you can do to stop data collection entirely, but you can ask these brokers to stop selling your data .

How to stop data brokers from selling your data

The easiest way to opt out of data collection is to download thePermission Slip app. It was produced by Consumer Reports, a nonprofit organization that helps people make better food choices. You can download your permission slip to Android or iPhone and use the app to track which data brokers have your information. The app allows you to submit requests to have your data deleted, stop selling it, or even have your accounts deleted on sites you no longer use. Once you submit these requests, the application will execute them on your behalf.

If you want to manually monitor data brokers and opt out of data collection, you can visit this GitHub page created by Yael Grauer . It lists known data brokers and details how to remove your information from these portals. If you scroll all the way down, you’ll also see steps to take if you’re a victim of identity theft, as well as some third-party services that can help you remove data from these brokers’ databases.

You should know that this process is not like unsubscribing from a newsletter; Sometimes data brokers can take several months to remove your information, so this can be a lengthy process and you should review it periodically to see if additional information has been collected.