Can You Erase Your Digital Footprint? Probably Not, But You Can Do This
This article explores the difficulty of erasing one's digital footprint and explains how data brokers collect and sell personal information. It suggests that while total erasure is unlikely, users can take steps to mitigate the volume of unsolicited mail and data harvesting.
Why it matters
As data privacy concerns grow, understanding the mechanics of the junk mail and data broker industry is essential for personal digital security.
<p>I've used <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-personal-data-removal-services" target="_self"><u>personal data removal services</u></a> for years. They cut back on the volume of spam calls and texts I receive. But I still get tons of scammy, spammy emails, along with endless catalogs and political mailers. That led me to wonder: How did my information end up in the hands of junk mailers and spammers?</p><p>To find out, I looked into the unsolicited mass-mailing industry. What I found may inspire you to change your habits to protect your digital footprint.</p><hr><h2 id="what-your-digital-footprint-says-about-you">What Your Digital Footprint Says About You</h2><p>In short, the junk mail industry relies on lists from <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/explainers/data-brokers-have-a-file-on-you-heres-how-to-see-whats-inside" target="_self"><u>online data brokers</u></a> such as Acxiom, Epix, Experian, and WhitePages. These companies buy your private information from charities and corporations, and even copy it from breach lists. Then, they sell the data to the highest bidder. </p><div class="mb-0 rounded-md bg-gray-100 p-3 md:p-5" id="related-video">
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