I tried to wipe my digital footprint without paying for a data removal service - 5 free ways - ZDNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. It may take a while, but it's possible to remove your personal data from the internet via deletion tools and helpful government resources. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. If you search your name on Google right now, there’s a high chance you’ll find a lot more than you expected. Phone numbers, emails, past home addresses, and distant relatives can appear within seconds, often on websites you’ve probably never heard of. What’s surprising is that much of this information doesn’t come from hacks or data breaches. Instead, they come from a range of legitimate sources, such as public records, app user analytics, and archived social media profiles. Data brokers will then collect and aggregate these stats to sell them to interested third parties for profit. As you can imagine, personal data is very valuable. Also: The best data removal services of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed Although the practice may be legal, its sheer scale and the accessibility of personal information make it controversial. The good news is that you can remove much of your