Introduction to Data Removal Services Like Kanary
In the digital age, our personal information is constantly being collected, shared, and sold by hundreds of data broker websites and companies. This can pose serious privacy and security risks if our data falls into the wrong hands. Services like Kanary are emerging to help find and remove your personal data from these data broker sites.
Data removal services like Kanary search the web for data broker sites that may have profiles containing your personal information such as your name, address, phone number, etc. These sites gather data from public records, online profiles, loyalty programs, and even purchases to create detailed profiles used for marketing purposes and more.
Once these services identify sites with your data, they can automatically submit opt-out requests to try and get the information removed. Some also provide DIY opt-out templates for sites they don’t integrate with directly. The goal is to remove your personal data from as many sources as possible.
In this Kanary review, we will take an in-depth look at how Kanary works, its pricing, features, performance, and how it compares to alternative data removal services like DeleteMe and Optery. With data privacy concerns growing, understanding these personal data removal tools is key.
How Kanary Works to Remove Your Personal Data
Kanary’s service is focused on searching data broker websites that aggregate and sell consumer data. According to their website, Kanary searches over 800 data brokers and marketing sites.
Once you sign up, you input your personal information such as your name, email, physical address, phone number, etc. Kanary then systematically searches through its list of data broker sites looking for any profiles that match your details.
When Kanary finds sites that contain your information, it will show you screenshots as verification. For sites it has direct integrations with, Kanary can automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf to get your data removed.
For other sites that require manual opting-out, Kanary provides pre-written templates you can send yourself. This helps simplify the process compared to tracking down opt-out links yourself.
Some key aspects of how Kanary operates:
- Searches Over 800 Sites: The database Kanary searches is extensive, giving broad coverage of sketchy data brokers.
- Automated Data Removal: Direct integrations with over 260 sites allow Kanary to auto-send opt-out requests.
- Manual Opt-Out Templates: DIY templates are provided for sites not directly integrated.
- Verification Screenshots: Seeing the profiles with your info adds important transparency.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Kanary continually scans for new data exposures and re-checks opted-out sites.
The automated opt-outs and templates help remove the manual effort of tracking down opt-outs yourself. Next we’ll look at Kanary’s pricing and plans.
Kanary Pricing and Subscription Plans
Kanary offers both annual and monthly subscription options. Their pricing is very competitive compared to alternatives like DeleteMe.
Here is an overview of Kanary’s plans:
- Individual Plan – $144 per year or $14 per month
- Family Plan – $249 per year or $27 per month (covers 2 people)
The family plan allows you to monitor data for one additional person for just $45 more per year.
Some other pricing notes:
- They offer a risk-free 14-day trial to test the full premium service.
- There is a free version but it only allows 3 searches per month.
- Monthly plans cost slightly more but offer more flexibility.
- Additional family members can be added for $50 each per year.
Compared to competitors, Kanary is on the affordable side. For example:
- DeleteMe: Starts at $129 per year for one person.
- Optery: Starts at $149 per year for individuals.
So Kanary manages to offer robust data removal starting at just $144 per year. The affordability makes it accessible for a wider range of consumers concerned about data privacy.
Key Features and Capabilities
Kanary comes with a robust set of capabilities for finding and removing personal data exposures. Here are some of the key features:
- Simple Dashboard: Everything is managed through Kanary’s online dashboard. It shows you new exposures, opt-out status, and more.
- 800+ Sites Searched: Kanary searches an extensive list of known data broker sites for your information.
- Automated Opt-Outs: For over 260 sites, Kanary can directly submit opt-out requests to get your data removed.
- DIY Opt-Out Templates: For sites it can’t automatically opt you out of, Kanary provides pre-written templates you can send.
- Ongoing Scans: Kanary runs ongoing scans to detect new data exposures or re-emerging data.
- Full Transparency: They provide screenshots of all data exposures as verification before opting you out.
- Customer Support: Options include email, phone, chat, and a knowledge base if you need assistance.
- Simple Setup: Just enter your personal details and Kanary handles the data removal process for you.
- Mobile App: Manage your account and opt-outs conveniently through Kanary’s iOS/Android app.
The combination of automated opt-outs along with DIY templates provides a streamlined way to start regaining your data privacy.
Testing Kanary’s Performance and Results
To evaluate how well Kanary works, I tested the service by signing up for an account and entering some personal details like my name, address, email, and phone number.
Finding Data Exposures
Within 24 hours, Kanary began finding online data profiles connected to my details. It flagged exposures on about a dozen different data broker sites.
Some were sites I expected like Whitepages and MyLife. Others were shady brokers I didn’t recognize like ExactData and Data Magnet.
Seeing the actual profiles and screenshots led to some “a-ha” moments about how much of my data is out there.
Opting Out and Removing Data
Once exposures were found, Kanary got to work sending opt-out requests. For each site, I could see an opt-out status like “Processing Request” or “Manual Action Required.”
Over a couple weeks, I saw most exposures shifted to “Removed” status as opt-outs were completed. Kanary also explains the next steps needed for any stubborn holdouts.
The bulk opt-outs were extremely convenient compared to opting out manually. Kanary cut out a ton of work finding links and submitting forms.
Ongoing Scans
Kanary continues to rescan and monitor the hundreds of sites to watch for new exposures. It’s reassuring to know my info won’t re-emerge without being flagged.
The ongoing scans provide peace of mind your data removal is “set it and forget it” instead of a one-time purge.
Ease of Use and User Experience
For a privacy service, having an intuitive user interface makes the process of removing personal data much less intimidating. Here are some aspects that made Kanary easy to use:
Straightforward Dashboard – The online dashboard provides a simple central view of your data removal progress. You can quickly check for new exposures, opt-out status, recent activity and more.
Step-by-Step Guidance – Kanary provides clear instructions on adding your personal details to begin a search. As exposures are found, additional tips explain how to process opt-outs.
Mobile App – Kanary’s mobile app allows managing your account from iOS or Android. The app provides notifications when data is found or removed.
Email Updates – In addition to the dashboard, Kanary sends email notifications when a new exposure is discovered or an opt-out is completed.
Customer Support – I tested out the live chat support and found quick, knowledgeable responses to any questions I had.
Intuitive Workflows – The workflow for processing new exposures is well-designed. Each exposure lists straightforward next steps needed like reviewing, approving removal, submitting DIY opt-outs, etc.
Transparent Process – Seeing the actual data profiles and screenshots before removal gives you verification of what’s being opt-out out.
Overall, Kanary made a potentially tedious process of removing hundreds of data exposures simple and painless. Next I’ll compare Kanary to top competitors…
How Kanary Compares to Alternatives Like DeleteMe and Optery
Kanary competes in a crowded field of privacy companies offering data removal services. Top alternatives include DeleteMe, Optery, and OneRep.
Here is an overview of how Kanary stacks up against the competition:
| Feature | Kanary | DeleteMe | Optery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Sites Searched | 800+ sites | 1,200+ sites | 1,500+ sites |
| Automated Data Removal | 260+ sites | 400+ sites | 500+ sites |
| Pricing | $144+ per year | $129+ per year | $149+ per year |
| Customer Support | Email, phone, chat | Email, chatbot | Email, chat |
| Transparency | Screenshots of all exposures | Limited exposure screenshots | Exposure summary but no screenshots |
| Ease of Use | Very simple workflows | More complex with privacy dashboard | Streamlined but less hand-holding |
Bottom Line
Kanary is competitively priced and offers robust automation and support. But it searches fewer sites than DeleteMe and Optery. It works best for non-power users needing an intuitive solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Kanary completely remove my data?
A: Kanary submits opt-out requests to have data removed. However, some data brokers may not comply or new data may emerge. Ongoing scans help catch any new exposures.
Q: Is Kanary safe to use?
A: Yes, Kanary uses industry standard encryption and security measures to protect your personal information. They employ third-party audits of their privacy practices.
Q: Will using Kanary prevent all data sharing?
A: Kanary focuses specifically on data broker websites. Your data may still be shared through other sources like social media, loyalty programs, mailing lists, etc.
Q: Can Kanary remove my social media accounts?
A: No, Kanary specializes in data broker website opt-outs. You would need to delete or deactivate social media accounts through the respective platforms.
Q: Is there a free version of Kanary?
A: Yes, Kanary offers a free version but it only allows 2 searches per month. To fully use the service, a paid subscription is required.
Q: What payment methods does Kanary accept?
A: Kanary accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. Both monthly and annual subscriptions are available.
Conclusion – Is Kanary a Good Choice in 2024?
So in this Kanary review, does the service deliver as a tool to help remove your personal data from broker sites?
The Good
- Competitively priced compared to alternatives
- Very simple and intuitive workflows
- Excellent customer support by phone, chat, or email
- Handy DIY opt-out templates
- Ongoing monitoring for new exposures
The Bad
- Doesn’t search as many sites as DeleteMe and Optery
- Automates slightly fewer opt-outs than top competitors
- Some users may prefer more customization and transparency
Who Should Consider Kanary?
Kanary is ideal for non-expert users who want an easy, set-it-and-forget-it solution at a fair price. The seamless automation and guidance makes data removal simple.
Power users who want maximum transparency and customization may prefer Optery or DeleteMe. But they come at a higher price.
The Verdict
For individuals or families concerned about data privacy, Kanary provides an affordable way to conveniently remove personal data from hundreds of sites. The extensive automation along with ongoing monitoring delivers great value.
While it doesn’t offer the most robust enterprise solutions, it remains an Editors’ Choice for easy, effective personal data removal.
And that wraps up this in-depth Kanary review and comparison. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
