In this digital age, it’s nearly impossible to stay off the internet entirely. But what if you want to eliminate your digital footprint as much as possible? Here’s how to disappear from the internet.
Step 1: Delete Your Social Media Accounts
Social media is one of the easiest ways for people to find you online. By removing yourself from social media, you’ll be taking a huge step towards disappearing from the internet.
Step 2: Delete Any Online Accounts
Next, you’ll want to go through any online accounts you have, including email, shopping, and banking accounts, and delete them. This will eliminate any traces of your presence on those sites.
Step 3: Remove Your Information from People Search Sites
People search sites, such as Spokeo and Pipl, collect and display personal information about individuals. You can remove yourself from these sites by contacting them directly and requesting removal.
Step 4: Delete Your Information from Data Broker Sites
Data broker sites, such as Intelius and Acxiom, collect and sell personal information to third parties. To remove your information from these sites, you’ll need to contact them directly and request removal.
Step 5: Use a VPN
A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address, making it more difficult for someone to track your online activity. This is especially important if you plan to continue using the internet.
Step 6: Be Careful with Your Personal Information
Going forward, be careful with the personal information you share online. Avoid posting your full name, address, or phone number, and be cautious about sharing personal details on social media or other websites.
FAQs
Q: Is it really possible to disappear from the internet?
A: While it’s nearly impossible to completely disappear from the internet, you can take steps to minimize your digital footprint and make it more difficult for people to find you online.
Q: How long does it take for my information to be removed from people search and data broker sites?
A: The process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the site and how quickly they process removal requests.
Q: Do I need to use a VPN even if I’ve deleted all my accounts and information?
A: Yes, a VPN is still recommended to further protect your privacy and make it more difficult for someone to track your online activity.
Conclusion
Disappearing from the internet completely may not be possible, but by following these steps and being careful with your online activity, you can minimize your digital footprint and protect your privacy.