What is How to Disappear Online?

Whether you're escaping a stalker, protecting yourself from doxxing, transitioning to a new identity after a life change, or simply reclaiming your privacy — here's the systematic approach to disappearing from the internet.

Phase 1: Assess Your Exposure (Week 1)

Google Yourself

• Search your full name, phone number, email, and home address
• Use quotes: "John Smith" + city
• Check Google Images for your photos
• Search in incognito mode for unbiased results
• Use our Browser Exposure Check to see what your browser reveals

Inventory Your Accounts

• Check your email for account confirmation messages
• Use sites like JustDeleteMe to find deletion links
• Check password managers for saved logins
• Search for accounts linked to your email and phone number

Check Data Brokers

• Search for yourself on: Spokeo, BeenVerified, WhitePages, PeopleFinder, Radaris, MyLife
• Note which brokers have your data
• Services like those at /remove automate this process

Phase 2: Remove Existing Data (Weeks 2-4)

Data Broker Removal

• Option A (DIY): Visit each broker's opt-out page individually (time-intensive, ongoing)
• Option B (Service): Use automated removal services that handle 635+ sites — see /remove
• Option C (Premium): Full digital erasure for high-risk situations — see /erase

Delete Old Accounts

• Social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, TikTok, Reddit
• Shopping: Amazon, eBay, Etsy (old reviews contain information)
• Forums and communities: Reddit history, old forum accounts
• Dating profiles
• Gaming accounts with real info

Remove Google Results

• Submit removal requests for sensitive personal information through Google's content removal tool
• Request removal of outdated content under "right to be forgotten" (EU/UK)
• Contact website owners directly to request takedowns

Phase 3: Establish Private Alternatives (Weeks 4-8)

Communication

• Email: ProtonMail or Tuta (no phone number required, encrypted)
• Messaging: Signal (register with a secondary number)
• Phone: Virtual phone number or prepaid SIM

Online Presence

• Browser: Firefox with strict privacy settings, or Brave
• Search: Brave Search, DuckDuckGo, or Startpage
• VPN: Always-on for masking IP address and location

Financial

• LLC for business activities to keep your name off public records — /protect
• Virtual payment cards for online purchases
• PO Box or private mailbox instead of home address

Phase 4: Maintain Privacy (Ongoing)

• Regular data broker checks — Your info reappears; removal is ongoing
• Use aliases for non-essential accounts
• Minimal information sharing — Give only what's legally required
• Regular security audits — Check for new exposures quarterly
• Separate identities — Different email/phone for different life contexts