How to Opt Out of Data Brokers: The Complete Manual Guide (2026)
Quick answer: You must opt out of each data broker separately — there is no universal opt-out. Your data reappears every 3–6 months, making removal an ongoing process. This guide covers the 15 highest-traffic sites with current opt-out URLs and step-by-step instructions. For automated removal from 420+ sites, see our service recommendations at the bottom.
Before You Start: What to Know
You must opt out of each site separately. Opting out of Spokeo does not affect Whitepages, BeenVerified, or any other broker. Each maintains its own database.
Your data reappears. Every broker continuously ingests new public records. Most data reappears within 3–6 months of removal. Opt-out is not a one-time task — it is ongoing maintenance.
Use a secondary email. When opt-outs require email confirmation, use a secondary or masked email rather than your primary address. Some brokers use confirmation emails to verify your address for future marketing.
Have a profile URL ready. Most opt-outs require you to first find your listing, copy the URL, then submit it for removal.
The 15 Most Important Opt-Outs (Ranked by Visibility)
1. Whitepages
Why it matters: 250M+ profiles, ranks on page 1 of Google for name searches — most visible data broker for most people. For a deeper look, see our guide on whether Whitepages is safe.
Opt-out URL: whitepages.com/suppression_requests Process: Find listing → copy URL → submit → phone verification (automated call with 4-digit code) Processing time: 1–2 business days Difficulty: Medium (requires phone call) Reappears: Yes — every 3–4 months
2. Spokeo
Why it matters: 120+ sources aggregated. High search volume for “is [name] on Spokeo.”
Opt-out URL: spokeo.com/optout Process: Find listing → copy URL → submit email → confirm via email link Processing time: 24–72 hours Difficulty: Easy Reappears: Yes — every 3–4 months
3. BeenVerified / PeopleLooker / NeighborWho / Ownerly
Why it matters: One opt-out covers all four PeopleConnect-owned sites. See our BeenVerified safety guide for more.
Opt-out URL: beenverified.com/f/optout/search Process: Search name → select profile → enter email → confirm via email link Processing time: 1–3 business days Difficulty: Easy Reappears: Yes — every 3–4 months Bonus: Single opt-out removes from all four PeopleConnect sites simultaneously
4. Radaris
Why it matters: Aggressive data collection, difficult manual process.
Opt-out URL: radaris.com/ng/control/privacy Process: Create account (required) → locate profile → submit removal → confirm email Processing time: Up to 7 days Difficulty: Hard (requires account creation) Reappears: Yes
5. TruthFinder
Why it matters: High search volume, FTC complaint history.
Opt-out URL: truthfinder.com/opt-out/ Process: Enter name and location → find profile → submit email → confirm email link Processing time: 2–3 business days Difficulty: Easy Reappears: Yes
6. Intelius / PeopleFinders / US Search
Why it matters: PeopleConnect umbrella — one opt-out covers multiple sites.
Opt-out URL: intelius.com/optout Process: Search name → select profile → submit email → confirm email Processing time: 2–5 business days Difficulty: Easy Reappears: Yes
7. MyLife
Why it matters: Shows “reputation scores” — uniquely damaging format.
Opt-out URL: mylife.com/ccpa/index.pubview Process: Email optout@mylife.com with subject “California Privacy Rights Request” or use CCPA form — works for all users regardless of state Processing time: 30 days Difficulty: Medium Reappears: Yes — more persistent than others
8. FastPeopleSearch
Why it matters: High Google visibility for address searches.
Opt-out URL: fastpeoplesearch.com/removal Process: Find profile → submit URL → enter email → confirm Processing time: 24–72 hours Difficulty: Easy Reappears: Yes
9. Addresses.com / AnyWho / Switchboard
Why it matters: Whitepages subsidiary — often missed in manual opt-out rounds.
Opt-out: Contact through parent company Whitepages suppression (see #1) or submit separately at each sub-site Processing time: 1–3 business days Difficulty: Medium
10. PeopleFinder
Why it matters: Frequently surfaces in address searches.
Opt-out URL: peoplefinder.com/optout.php Process: Enter name and state → find profile → submit email → confirm Processing time: 2–3 business days Difficulty: Easy
11. Acxiom
Why it matters: One of the world’s largest data brokers — used by thousands of companies for marketing.
Opt-out URL: aboutthedata.com Process: Create free account → view your data → submit opt-out for each category Processing time: Up to 30 days Difficulty: Medium Note: Acxiom won’t remove all data but will suppress it from marketing use
12. LexisNexis
Why it matters: Used by employers, insurers, and law enforcement. Extremely comprehensive profiles.
Opt-out URL: lexisnexis.com/privacy/request-to-opt-out Process: Submit online form with proof of identity → wait for processing Processing time: 30 days Difficulty: Hard (requires documentation)
13. Epsilon
Why it matters: Major marketing data broker — drives direct mail and email marketing.
Opt-out URL: epsilon.com/us/privacy-policy (submit via email: optout@epsilon.com) Processing time: 30 days Difficulty: Medium
14. Oracle Data Cloud (BlueKai)
Why it matters: Drives online ad targeting — opting out reduces tracking-based advertising.
Opt-out URL: oracle.com/legal/privacy/marketing-cloud-data-cloud-privacy-policy.html Processing time: Up to 10 business days Difficulty: Medium
15. Verisk Marketing Solutions
Why it matters: Insurance industry data broker. Affects insurance pricing and pre-screening.
Opt-out: Call 1-800-888-4213 Processing time: 30 days Difficulty: Medium
How Long Does Manual Opt-Out Take?
Completing all 15 opt-outs above manually takes approximately:
- Initial round: 4–6 hours
- Follow-up: 2–3 hours every 3–4 months when data reappears
- Annual time investment: 12–24 hours ongoing
And this covers only 15 of the 4,000+ active data brokers.
When Manual Opt-Out Isn’t Enough
For comprehensive removal — and sustained removal as data reappears — automated services handle the process continuously.
DeleteMe (coupon code available) — The most established data broker removal service. DeleteMe’s team submits opt-outs on your behalf and re-checks every 90 days. In our testing, it removed data from 122 sites using a manual, risk-prioritized approach. From $10.75/month.
Aura — Includes automated data broker removal as part of a comprehensive identity protection suite — plus dark web monitoring, 3-bureau credit monitoring, VPN, antivirus, and $1M in identity theft insurance per adult. The all-in-one approach means one subscription covers both removal and monitoring. From $9/month.
For a full comparison of removal services, see our best data broker removal service roundup. You can also check what data brokers already have on you with our Data Broker Exposure Checker.
Related: Best Data Broker Removal Services | DeleteMe Review | Incogni Review | Optery Review | How to Remove Your Personal Information from the Internet | Is Whitepages Safe? | Is Spokeo Safe?