We recommend evaluating non-public data brokers individually to determine how each particular one affects you and weigh the risks and benefits of opting out.
Here’s why
Unlike people-search sites, non-public data brokers don’t make their directories openly available. Instead, they mainly operate in business-to-business models, supplying information to other businesses and professionals.
While non-public data brokers do compile comprehensive consumer profiles, they are typically used for legitimate business purposes such as fraud prevention, identity verification, risk assessment, creditworthiness assessment, analytics, and marketing. They can’t be accessed by individuals looking up your information and don’t directly expose you to stalkers, scammers, identity thieves, and other malicious actors. However, some non-public brokers sell their databases to people-search sites, which, in turn, make it publicly available. Others provide information to marketers and recruiters, which can lead to spam and unsolicited offers.
How does removal from non-public data brokers work?
Removing yourself from non-public data brokers is different from opting out of public ones (known as people-search sites).
Since their directories are not public, you cannot simply find and submit a profile for removal. Instead, you must provide personal details—such as your full name, address, date of birth, and phone number—so the broker can locate your records in their catalogs and suppress them.
However, this process presents a potential risk: if a broker did not already have your data, submitting your information may unintentionally expose it to them. As a result, your attempt to improve privacy could lead to increased data exposure.
Our recommendation
Rather than submitting removal requests to every broker, take the time to assess each one individually. If you decide to opt out, we strongly recommend exercising your Right to Know first—request a report on what personal information a broker already has. This way, you can avoid oversharing when submitting a removal request.
To help you navigate the process, we’ve created YourControl–a Chrome extension that provides clear removal guides for non-public data brokers. From explaining the potential benefits of opting out to outlining removal options, YourControl helps you make informed decisions about your privacy.