Finally ready to get off the grid? It's not quite as simple as it should be.
sorbetto/GettyIf you're reading this, it's likely your personal information is available to the public. And by "public" I mean everyone everywhere. The start of a new year is a good time to get your internet privacy ducks in a row and effectively "delete" yourself from the internet. But how can deleting yourself from the internet stop companies from getting hold of your info? Short answer: It can't.
Unfortunately, you can never completely remove yourself from the internet, but there are ways to minimize your digital footprint, which would lower the chances of your personal data being out there. Be forewarned, however: Removing your information from the internet, as I've outlined below, could adversely affect your ability to communicate with potential employers. Still interested? Here are some ways to disappear your digital self.
1. Delete or deactivate your shopping, social media and web service accounts
Think about which networks you have social media profiles on. Aside from the big ones (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn), do you still have old accounts on sites like Tumblr? MySpace? What about your Reddit account? Which shopping sites have you registered on? Common ones might include information stored on Amazon, Gap.com, Macys.com and others.
Using a service like DeleteMe can make removing yourself from the internet less of a headache.
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