privacy-cleanup

# Privacy Cleanup Your full name, address, phone number, relatives, and more are likely available on dozens of data broker websites right now. This skill provides the opt-out procedure for each major data broker — the same process that privacy services charge $100+/year to do. Data brokers listed are US-focused but the prevention steps work globally. ```agent-adaptation # Localization note — data broker landscape is US-centric but privacy rights # vary by jurisdiction and may be stronger in other countries. # Agent must follow these rules when working with non-US users: - The opt-out procedures for US data brokers (Spokeo, Whitepages, BeenVerified, etc.) are relevant globally — these sites often contain non-US residents' data. Apply them regardless of user location. - For non-US users, add jurisdiction-specific privacy rights: EU/EEA: GDPR "right to erasure" (Article 17) — users can demand removal from any data processor. Template: "I request erasure of my personal data under GDPR Article 17." File complaints at your national DPA. UK: UK GDPR (same right to erasure, post-Brexit). ICO at ico.org.uk Canada: PIPEDA right to correction/erasure. File with OPC at priv.gc.ca Australia: Privacy Act right to access and correction. OAIC at oaic.gov.au - Credit freeze procedures are US-specific (Equifax/Experian/TransUnion US). For UK: credit reference agencies are Experian UK, Equifax UK, TransUnion UK. For AU: Equifax AU, Experian AU, illion. For CA: Equifax CA, TransUnion CA. - FTC/IC3 reporting is US-only. Substitute: Action Fraud (UK), ACCC Scamwatch (AU), Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CA). ``` ## Sources & Verification - Data broker opt-out procedures: Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, "Data Brokers" resource list ([privacyrights.org](https://privacyrights.org/data-brokers)) - National Do Not Call Registry: FTC ([donotcall.gov](https://www.donotcall.gov/)) - OptOutPrescreen (credit offer opt-out): [optoutprescreen.com](https://www.optoutprescreen.com/) — verified active as of March 2026 - DMA Choice (Direct Marketing Association): [dmachoice.org](https://www.dmachoice.org/) - Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center: [sparc.stalkingawareness.org](https://sparc.stalkingawareness.org/) - NNEDV Technology Safety resources: [techsafety.org](https://www.techsafety.org/) - DeleteMe service reference: [joindeleteme.com](https://joindeleteme.com/) ## When to Use - User wants to remove personal information from the internet - Concerned about stalking or harassment - Getting too many spam calls/emails - Wants to reduce their digital footprint - Privacy-conscious and wants to opt out of data collection ## Instructions ### SAFETY CHECK — Stalking and Harassment Assessment **STOP.** Before proceeding, the agent MUST ask: > "Are you removing your information because someone specific is searching for you or threatening you?" - If YES (stalking/harassment situation): **Prioritize address-revealing sites first** (TruePeopleSearch, FastPeopleSearch, Spokeo, WhitePages). Also recommend contacting: Stalking Prevention Center at [sparc.stalkingawareness.org](https://sparc.stalkingawareness.org/) and local police to file a report. - If domestic violence related: **Redirect to safe-exit-planner skill** for comprehensive safety planning. - If general privacy concern: Proceed to Step 1. **Agent action**: If this is a safety situation, do not store the user's real name or address in any logs or files. Process removals in urgency order. ### Step 1: Find what's out there Search for yourself: ``` SELF-SEARCH CHECKLIST: □ Google your full name in quotes: "First Last" □ Google your name + city: "First Last" + "City, State" □ Google your phone number □ Google your email address □ Check these sites directly: → Spokeo.com → WhitePages.com → BeenVerified.com → Intelius.com → PeopleFinder.com → TruePeopleSearch.com → FastPeopleSearch.com → Radaris.com ``` ### Step 2: Opt out from major data brokers ``` OPT-OUT PROCEDURES (do each one): SPOKEO: → spokeo.com/optout → Find your listing, enter email, click removal link WHITEPAGES: → whitepages.com/suppression-requests → Find listing, verify by phone, confirm removal BEEN VERIFIED: → beenverified.com/faq/opt-out → Submit opt-out request with your URL INTELIUS: → intelius.com/opt-out → Search for yourself, submit removal request TRUE PEOPLE SEARCH: → truepeoplesearch.com/removal → Find your record, click remove FAST PEOPLE SEARCH: → fastpeoplesearch.com/removal → Find listing, click "Remove This Record" RADARIS: → radaris.com/control/privacy → Create account to remove your data FAMILY TREE NOW: → familytreenow.com/optout → Find listing, confirm opt-out ``` Note: Removals take 24-72 hours. Some sites repopulate from public records — check back in 3 months and re-opt-out if needed. ### Step 3: Reduce future data collection ``` ONGOING PRIVACY STEPS: □ Use a PO Box or virtual mailbox for public-facing addresses □ Use a Google Voice number instead of your real number □ Use email aliases (Apple Hide My Email, SimpleLogin) □ Set all social media profiles to private □ Opt out of pre-approved credit offers: → optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-567-8688 □ National Do Not Call Registry: donotcall.gov □ Direct Marketing Association opt-out: dmachoice.org □ Use a privacy-focused browser (Firefox, Brave) □ Install uBlock Origin extension for ad/tracker blocking ``` ## If This Fails If your information keeps reappearing or you cannot complete removal: 1. **Site won't process removal?** File a complaint with your state attorney general's office. Some states (California, Vermont, Oregon) have data broker registration laws that give you additional rights. 2. **Information reappears after removal?** Data brokers pull from public records (voter registration, property records). Consider: using a PO Box for voter registration (allowed in some states for safety reasons), filing property under an LLC or trust, and opting out of public court record indexes. 3. **Being actively stalked?** Contact the Stalking Prevention Center (sparc.stalkingawareness.org), file a police report, and consult with a lawyer about a protective order. Address confidentiality programs exist in most states for DV/stalking survivors. 4. **Too many sites to handle manually?** Consider a paid service like DeleteMe ($129/yr) that automates ongoing removal from 750+ data brokers. ## Rules - This is a slow process — set expectations that it takes 2-4 weeks for full removal - Some sites require verification (phone, email) which can feel sketchy — it's legitimate for major brokers - Re-check every 3-6 months because data brokers repopulate - For someone being stalked, prioritize the sites that show addresses first ## Tips - Data brokers pull from voter registration, property records, and court records — these are the hardest sources to control - If you're in immediate danger (stalking situation), contact local police and the Stalking Prevention Center: sparc.stalkingawareness.org - Getting a Google Voice number takes 5 minutes and gives you a separate number to use everywhere - The paid service DeleteMe ($129/yr) does all of the above automatically if someone doesn't want to do it manually