Are you uncomfortable with how much of your personal information is available on Whitepages? You’re not alone. Fortunately, you can opt out of Whitepages and get your data removed. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
What is Whitepages?
Whitepages is a popular people search website that collects and sells individuals’ personal data. Their database contains information on over 250 million Americans, including:
- Names and aliases
- Age and date of birth
- Current and past addresses
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Relatives and associates
- Property records
- Criminal and court records
Anyone can access this data for free or at a low cost. While Whitepages claims this promotes transparency, many feel it’s a violation of privacy. Your info could be used for spam, fraud, or even stalking. That’s why it’s important to opt out if you value your privacy.
How to Remove Yourself from Whitepages
Opting out of Whitepages involves submitting a form online and verifying the request over the phone. It only takes about 15 minutes. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Find Your Whitepages Listing
Go to Whitepages.com and search for your name.
When you locate your listing, copy the URL.
Step 2: Submit Opt Out Request
Visit the Whitepages opt out page. Paste in your listing’s URL.
Click the “Remove me” Button. Confirm it’s the correct info.
Choose a reason for removal from the dropdown menu, enter any extra comments in the designated area, and then press Next.
Step 3: Verify by Phone
Enter your phone number on the next page.
Whitepages will immediately call you with a verification code. Enter this on their site to complete the opt out.
That’s it! Your info should disappear from Whitepages within 24 hours. Note that you’ll need to do a separate opt out process for any premium listings.
Whitepages Premium Removal
Most data is on the free version of Whitepages, but they also sell background reports with more details. Here’s how to get off Whitepages Premium as well:
- Search for yourself on premium.whitepages.com
- Open your listing and copy the URL
- Go to their “Submit a request” page
- Provide the URL and request removal
- Your info should be removed within 48 hours
Take Back Your Privacy
Great work on getting your data off Whitepages! However, they are just one of many sites profiting off your personal info. To truly protect your online privacy, you’ll need to remove yourself from other data brokers and people search sites as well.
Some of the biggest ones include:
- BeenVerified
- Intelius
- Spokeo
- Radaris
- CheckPeople
- PeekYou
- AnyWho
- CoreLogic
- PeopleWhiz
- Unmask
- GladIKnow
- ZoomInfo
- Innovis
Check out our other opt out guides to learn how to remove your info from each one. You may also want to Google yourself to see what else comes up. Opting out can be time-consuming, so consider using a service like DeleteMe that will handle it all for you.
Key Takeaways
- Whitepages collects personal data and sells it online
- You can opt out with a quick online form and phone verification
- Most info is removed within 24 hours
- Don’t forget to also remove yourself from Whitepages Premium
- Whitepages is just one people search site – remove your info from the others as well
Whitepages Opt Out FAQ
How does Whitepages get your information?
Whitepages aggregates personal data from many sources, including public records, phone directories, court documents, and other databases. If your info is out there, they will find it.
Is it illegal for Whitepages to post my info?
No, people search sites like Whitepages are legal because they only collect data from public sources. However, you have the right to opt out and get your info removed.
Will Whitepages remove me from Google searches too?
No, opting out of Whitepages only removes you from their own database and search results. Your info could still appear in Google searches if it’s on other sites. You’ll need to remove yourself from each site individually.
Can I sue Whitepages?
Probably not, since they aren’t breaking any laws. However, some have sued data brokers for using info to promote their own products or selling inaccurate data. It’s best to just opt out.
How often do I need to opt out of Whitepages?
Whitepages and other data brokers constantly look for new data to add. Just because you opt out once doesn’t mean you’re removed forever. It’s good to check a couple times per year and re-submit opt outs if needed. Using a removal service automates this process.
As a privacy expert and author, I’ve helped thousands of people remove their private info from the web. Opting out of Whitepages is an important first step. But don’t stop there – check for your info on other sites and remove it. Doing so lowers your risk of spam, scams, and cyberstalking.
Be patient and persistent in your opt out mission. With a little effort, you can dramatically reduce your digital footprint. Protect yourself by making your personal data harder to access. It’s well worth the time invested!
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m always happy to help however I can.
