In today’s digital age, maintaining control over our personal information is crucial. Unfortunately, there are online platforms like Spokeo that aggregate and distribute personal data without explicit consent. This article aims to shed light on Spokeo’s practices, explain the sources of their information, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to delete Spokeo profiles from their database.
What Does Spokeo Do?
Spokeo is a data broker website that collects and sells personal information about individuals. The platform claims to provide comprehensive profiles by aggregating data from various sources, including public records, social media platforms, marketing surveys, and more. Through Spokeo, users can search for contact information, addresses, employment history, educational background, and even estimated wealth levels.
How Does Spokeo Obtain Information?
Spokeo obtains information from both publicly available sources and commercial databases. Some of the sources they utilize include:
- Public Records: Spokeo scours public records such as court documents, property records, and marriage or divorce records to gather personal information.
- Social Media: The platform actively scrapes social media platforms to collect data from individuals’ profiles, including photos, interests, and connections.
- Marketing Surveys and Questionnaires: Spokeo purchases data from marketing companies that conduct surveys and questionnaires, enabling them to acquire additional personal details.
- Data Aggregators: Spokeo collaborates with other data brokers and aggregators to enrich their databases with more comprehensive information.
How To Delete Spokeo Profiles?
Taking control of your privacy is vital, and you have the right to request the removal of your personal information from Spokeo’s database. Follow these step-by-step instructions to opt-out:
- Find Your Profile: Begin by searching for your information on the Spokeo website. Locate your profile and take note of the URL and the information listed.
- Visit the Opt-Out Page: Access Spokeo’s Opt-Out page by going to https://www.spokeo.com/optout.
- Fill Out the Form: Provide the necessary information, including the URL of your profile, your email address, and a reason for the removal request. Spokeo requires this information to process your opt-out request.
- Complete the CAPTCHA: Solve the CAPTCHA provided to confirm that you are a human making the request.
- Submit Your Request: Click on the “Remove This Listing” button or similar options to submit your removal request.
- Check Your Email: Spokeo will send you an email to verify your request. Follow the instructions provided in the email to confirm your opt-out request.
- Wait for Confirmation: After confirming your request, it may take some time for Spokeo to process it. Be patient, it can take a few days for your information to be removed from their database.
Spokeo’s practice of aggregating and selling personal information without explicit consent raises privacy concerns. By understanding their operations and taking proactive measures, you can protect your privacy. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can reclaim control over your personal information and opt-out from Spokeo’s database, ensuring your privacy is safeguarded in an increasingly data-driven world.