GoKawiilIf you've ever looked yourself up online and found public records you did not expect, or you suddenly experience an influx of cold callers, but you aren't sure of the source, you're not alone. So much of our information is in the hands of data brokers. The problem of public records that may list your full name, home address, telephone number, and more is compounded by daily data breaches. Your data may be exposed online or, when in the hands of third parties, traded or sold without your explicit consent or permission.
While many data broker services and people search websites are legal, they still often violate your privacy. The problem, however, is that tracking down these companies and forcing them to delete your information -- and not collect it again -- is a time-consuming task that often fails unless you consistently send data removal demands. Manual removals only go so far and are usually time-consuming processes, but the best data removal services shoulder this task for you.
Also: I put 2025's leading data-removal services to the test, and there was a clear winner
In ZDNET's April update, we conducted a thorough review of our guide, adding Optery to our top picks and Privacy Hawk to our alternatives.
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What's the best personal data removal service right now?
My top pick to delete yourself from the internet is Incogni. Owned by VPN provider Surfshark, Incogni tackles data removal and brokers on your behalf with a heavy focus on automation and enforces these requests using applicable data protection laws. Its service has amassed many positive customer reviews. You pay the equivalent of $8 per month with an annual plan during Incogni's current sale.
Also: How to delete yourself from the internet in 2026
Alternatively, Privacy Bee is another well-known specialist data removal service that offers individual, business, or family plans, starting at $8 per month. I would recommend the Pro plan if you want to tackle people search sites, data brokers, and websites.
I have conducted extensive research, hands-on testing, and the ZDNET team's years of experience in data removal practices and techniques to compile my recommendations. Below, you will find my other top choices for the best data removal services in 2026.
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