In the ever-evolving digital landscape, where information is constantly shared, traded, and stored, safeguarding your personal data has become a paramount concern. As we approach 2024, it's crucial to prioritize the protection of your sensitive information, and several innovative tools have emerged to assist individuals in this important task.
Among the various solutions available, data removal services stand out as the most effective way to eliminate your personal information from the vast pool of data brokers that often collect and sell it without your knowledge or consent. By utilizing these services, you can gain peace of mind, knowing that your data is no longer accessible to unauthorized parties.
In addition to employing essential cybersecurity measures such as a VPN, antivirus software, and a password manager, incorporating a data removal service into your digital defense strategy can provide comprehensive protection. These services offer a comprehensive approach to tracking down and removing your personal data from a wide range of entities. You may be astounded by the sheer number of companies that possess your information, and data removal services can help you reclaim control over your privacy.
The process typically involves searching for your data across various data broker platforms, identifying the companies that have collected it, and then requesting its removal. Data removal services simplify this process by automating much of the work, making it convenient and efficient for you. By utilizing their expertise and experience, you can ensure that your data is thoroughly removed from as many sources as possible.
It's important to note that while data removal services can be highly effective, they do not guarantee the complete and total eradication of your data from the internet. Once your information has been shared or sold, it may be challenging to remove it entirely. However, these services minimize the exposure of your data, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals or organizations to access it.
By proactively taking steps to protect your data, you can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and other cyber threats. Data removal services offer a powerful tool for safeguarding your privacy and personal information, empowering you to take control of your digital footprint in 2024 and beyond.
Surfshark, a reputable VPN provider, offers a distinct privacy service called Incogni. This subscription-based tool assists individuals in retrieving their data from a data broker service—a task that would be excessively time-consuming if done manually due to the existence of numerous databases.
Beyond retrieving your data, the ongoing challenge is to prevent its reappearance. Incogni's continuous monitoring of numerous databases involves searching for your name and personal information. Once identified, Incogni removes this data, ensuring its continued exclusion from these databases.
In the landscape of data removal services, numerous options exist alongside DeleteMe. Services such as Mozilla Monitor Plus, Kanary, and Optery offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. It is imperative to explore these alternatives, taking into account their unique features and, crucially, their pricing structures.
Incogni: Pricing and plans
Unlike some other services that have multiple tiers of plans to choose from, Incogni errs towards simple. For the Individual plan, the only real choice is whether to pay monthly or annually. The plan is limited to the US, the UK, the EU, Swiss, and Canadian residents only, and the payments are encrypted and secure, there is no long term commitment, no long term subscription, and a 30-day money back guarantee.
The month to month plan costs $14.98. The other option is the annual plan, which gets paid one year at a time for $89.88, which works out at $7.49 per month, for a substantial savings of 50% on each month of the service. Not a bad deal, and subsequent years are billed out at the same rate, so this is no introductory offer.
For those in a family, or with friends, there is the Family & Friends plan. It includes a subscription for up to four members of the group. It works out to $32.98 per month when taken month to month, or annually for a payment of $197.88 for the year of service, which works out to $16.49 each month which is even more affordable for those that can max out to four group members.
Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a free trial available, but there is a 30-day money back guarantee, which is reassuring just in case it does not work out.
Incogni: Basic features
Continuously gathering information about individuals, data brokers scour the internet, social media, and public sources like property record databases or alumni databases for names with addresses or graduates from specific institutions.
Data brokers gather and compile personal information to create individual profiles, aiming to sell this information for various purposes. While some data collection serves legitimate purposes, such as credit checks, this practice also raises concerns about the potential misuse of this data. Nefarious actors, such as hackers, may exploit this vulnerability and compromise sensitive information, posing significant risks to individuals.
Incogni is a cutting-edge privacy protection service that empowers individuals to take control of their personal data and safeguard their online privacy. At the core of Incogni's service is an exhaustive list of data broker databases. These data brokers collect and aggregate vast amounts of personal information from various sources, including public records, social media platforms, and online activities.
Incogni's comprehensive database of data brokers ensures that individuals can identify all entities that possess their personal information. This is a crucial first step in the process of data removal, as it allows individuals to target their efforts and focus on the specific data brokers that hold their information.
Recognizing the overwhelming task of manually navigating the complex and time-consuming process of data removal, Incogni provides a user-friendly data removal tool. This tool is designed to streamline the data removal process by automating many of the steps involved. With Incogni's tool, individuals can easily identify the data brokers that have their information, initiate the data removal process, and track the progress of their requests.
Incogni's data removal tool is designed to be intuitive and accessible, even for individuals who are not particularly tech-savvy. The tool guides users through the process step-by-step, providing clear instructions and prompts. It also offers personalized recommendations based on the specific data brokers that have the user's information.
By leveraging Incogni's exhaustive database of data brokers and user-friendly data removal tool, individuals can save hundreds of hours of work that would typically be required to remove their information from these databases manually. Incogni empowers individuals to take control of their personal data, protect their privacy, and minimize the risk of identity theft and other online threats.
To delve in deeper, Icogni uses laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), an EU law also from 2018, along with other privacy laws that apply to the location in question to compel data brokers to act.
Incogni initiates the data removal process immediately upon joining, sending out requests on day one. Within a week, they begin receiving responses. During the first month, the majority of these removal requests are processed. Subsequently, they periodically review and follow up on outstanding requests to ensure the complete removal of data.
Users enjoy the convenience of receiving weekly updates, a feature that distinguishes this service from others that provide less frequent updates, such as monthly or quarterly intervals.
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Incogni: Using Incogni
Using Incogni proved to be a user-friendly and straightforward process. Upon creating an account, the service promptly initiates a comprehensive scan across the web to identify your personal data. Subsequently, it presents you with a clear overview of data removal requests being initiated on your behalf.
The online dashboard is straightforward, displaying essential information such as the total number of requests. While the service collaborates with 180 data brokers, this number, while significant, falls short of its competitors' extensive networks.
Upon registering with most data removal services, the initial excitement wanes as the process unfolds. Incogni, like many others, requires users to patiently wait while it scans the web, sends data removal requests, and awaits responses. While waiting, the company does provide insights into the types of data held by each broker.
It's essential to acknowledge that data brokers may operate at a slower pace, which can make Incogni (and other data removal services) appear sluggish. However, there is no need for concern, as the process is ongoing, and positive results should be evident within a few weeks or months.
Incogni: Support
While Incogni provides direct and self-help support options, we believe that enhancing both services would greatly improve the user experience.
On the direct side of things, we did not seem to be able to find a phone number, fax, snail mail address, or online chat box. Rather, there is an option for direct communication via an email address, support@incogni.com, and it is indicated that users should expect a response in 24 hours. Alternatively, there is a support portal for those that prefer that method.
On the website, there is a blog with some general information. We also located a Knowledge Base, which can be searched to get to various topics. We also found some opt out guides, such as how to remove your information from numerous people search finders. However, you don’t need to sign up for anything to take advantage of using the op out guide.
Incogni: The competition
Incogni has a lot of strong competition in the space, both from long-time data removal services and companies adding such services to other products. We always recommend checking out the competition, especially if you have a specific need.
DeleteMe is one of the longest-running data removal services in the industry, established in 2011. Its longevity reflects its commitment to providing reliable and effective data removal solutions to customers. DeleteMe's coverage extends across a vast array of websites and data brokers, allowing it to remove personal information from a wide range of sources. The company has garnered a reputation for delivering impressive results, consistently meeting and exceeding customer expectations.
Many individuals who have used DeleteMe's services have expressed satisfaction with the thoroughness and efficiency of the removal process. The company's dedication to safeguarding customer privacy and its proven track record have made it a trusted choice for those seeking to take control of their online presence and reclaim their personal information.
As previously mentioned, Incogni's development by Surfshark is a significant advantage. For those seeking comparable security, Mozilla Monitor Plus, created by the renowned Firefox web browser maker, is another compelling option. It offers a comprehensive range of services as part of an extensive software suite.
Based on our testing, we can suggest considering Kanary, Privacy Bee, IDX, and Optery. These services provide excellent options for ensuring both privacy and data protection.
Incogni: Final verdict
Incogni provides a compelling service for users seeking control over their privacy. The annual discount, weekly updates, and 30-day money-back guarantee offer attractive incentives. Additionally, the service includes capable data removal features.
Although Incogni lacks a free trial, and its support setup could be improved, we find the service to be effective and competitively priced. For individuals who prioritize data privacy, Incogni warrants a closer look.
