Cybersecurity Awareness Week: How to remove your personal data from the internet, and why Apple's tools alone aren't enough - 9to5Mac
During Cybersecurity Awareness Week, experts warn that while Apple's privacy features limit future tracking, they cannot remove personal data already collected and sold by data brokers.
It's a concerning reality that companies can legally buy and sell personal data without consent in the United States. While Apple has implemented useful tools like App Tracking Transparency, Hide My Email, and iCloud Private Relay to limit future tracking, these solutions don't address the data already collected and spread across hundreds of broker databases over the past decade.
What data brokers actually have
Most people are shocked to learn how much information marketers and scammers can purchase from data brokers. Those lengthy terms and conditions often include clauses granting permission to 'share data with selected partners,' which can include sensitive information like location history. Data brokers collect and package personal details including cell phone numbers, home addresses, Social Security numbers, family connections, past employers, and previous addresses.
The largely unregulated industry means few restrictions on who can buy this information or how it's used. This security risk compounds over time, as scammers can craft highly convincing phishing messages using details about a person's job, neighbors, and background. For those concerned about physical safety, people search sites provide publicly accessible directories mapping location, relatives, and daily patterns.
The difficult opt-out process
While most US states grant legal rights to demand information removal, the process is intentionally difficult and time-consuming. Individuals must contact hundreds of companies separately, as each family member must apply individually. Opt-out forms are often hard to find, and processes may require lengthy applications. Even successful removals are temporary, as brokers can simply purchase new data and restart the collection process.
Automated solution with Incogni
Incogni automates the data removal process by sending legally binding requests to 420+ data broker databases and handling follow-ups when brokers resist. The service continuously repeats this process at regular intervals rather than removing data just once. Their Unlimited plan extends coverage to 3,000+ additional sites and allows custom removal requests, with a dashboard tracking each request's status in real time.
Frankly, none of this should be legal.
Cybersecurity Awareness Week special offer
During Cybersecurity Awareness Week, an annual campaign promoting digital security best practices, experts emphasize that existing personal data in broker databases presents a significant threat alongside phishing risks. Using promo code 9TO5MAC, readers can get 58% off Incogni's services, with the ability to cancel at any time. This week presents an ideal opportunity to address this often-overlooked aspect of cybersecurity.
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