This article is the third of a three-part series regarding digital footprints. This article will discuss how a digital footprint can be deleted. The first article went over the definition of a digital footprint and part two discussed how a digital footprint is created. This article will go through various steps that should be taken in order to delete a digital footprint from the web. Read on to learn more. Most of the steps below can be done in mere minutes.
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Step 1: Google Yourself
Googling yourself is the first step towards deleting your digital footprint. Every piece of information you see of yourself on the front page of Google is also available to everyone who searches for you. Mundane entries such as your LinkedIn profile and links to social media profiles such as Twitter or Facebook are common to see on the front page. Social media profiles can be removed from the front page over by modifying the privacy settings of those accounts.
The potentially dangerous content to see about yourself on the web is when your name starts being associated with discussion forums, and your online handle at various websites starts to be associated with your real identity. Googling yourself establishes the websites that have openly branded you with your real identity.
Step 2: Delete, Hide and Falsify Account Information
Once you have identified the online accounts/pictures that need to be removed from the web you may discover that you are not able to delete the account/images. Many websites do not have a ‘delete’ option for accounts, and instead utilize a ‘deactivate’ option. If that is the case then you can still take steps to remove said information from the web.
Delete as much of the information as you can from the accounts you wish to fully delete. Change the name on the account to something harmless, like ‘John Smith’, and upload a profile picture of an item or celebrity instead of a picture of you. The goal is to make the account as little about you as possible, even in the event that the account cannot be deleted.
Step 3: Contact Webmaster
For some websites, all content created is a one-way path – there is no option to delete or change. In this case, the webmaster of the website must be contacted. Be polite and explain the content you would like removed and the reasons you would like it removed. Many webmasters are very understanding when it comes to online privacy.
Step 4: Unsubscribe From Newsletters
Newsletters are a digital trail that lead to your email inbox. Unsubscribe from all unnecessary or unwanted newsletters in order to remove yourself from as many mailing lists as possible. Many companies sell their mailing lists to other companies, so your email could be easily placed on a spam list if it has many newsletters pointing to it.
Step 5: Use a Secondary Email Account
Any new accounts that must be set up should utilize a secondary email that does not go to same inbox as your primary email. Create an email address that does not contain your name or any other identifying info in it and use that email when signing up for websites, online accounts, and more.
Step 6: Preventative Action is the Best Action
When it comes to online security, digital footprints, and any information stored online, it is much easier to be cautious about the information that you share instead of trying to delete old information. Always think twice before submitting identifying information to a website. If that website has no need for your official identity, use an alias instead when signing up.
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