PrivacyHawk offers two powerful tools—Data Broker Removal Tool and Reduce My Digital Footprint Tool—to protect your personal information online. While both aim to enhance your privacy, they target different aspects of your digital footprint. This article explains the differences and how these tools complement each other.
What Is the Data Broker Removal Tool?
The Data Broker Removal Tool helps you remove your personal information from data broker databases. These brokers collect and sell data such as your name, address, phone number, and more to third parties, including advertisers and scammers.
How It Works
Scan for Data Brokers:
PrivacyHawk identifies which data brokers have your information.
Submit Opt-Out Requests:
The tool automatically sends removal requests to these brokers.
Track Progress:
Use the Processing Tab in the app to monitor the progress of your requests. Once completed, removed items appear in the Protected Tab, organized by data broker.
Ongoing Scans:
Monthly scans ensure any new or resurfaced data is flagged and removed.
What Is the Reduce My Digital Footprint Tool?
The Reduce My Digital Footprint Tool focuses on companies found in your main inbox that are linked to your email addresses. These accounts can expose your personal information to privacy risks if left unchecked.
How It Works
Link Your Email Accounts:
Connect up to three email accounts from providers like Google, Microsoft, or Yahoo.
Scan for Linked Accounts:
PrivacyHawk scans for potential vulnerailities tied to your email.
Send Opt-Out Requests:
You can select accounts to remove your information and/or stop selling your data to third parties and send unlimited opt-out requests with Premium and Platinum plans.
Track Removal Progress:
Monitor the status of your requests in the Processing and Actions Needed sections of the tool.
Why Use Both Tools Together?
The Data Broker Removal Tool and Reduce My Digital Footprint Tool work in tandem to provide comprehensive privacy protection.
Data Broker Removal reduces the risk of your data being sold or shared.
Reduce My Digital Footprint minimizes vulnerabilities from your information remaining in company databases.
Need Help?
If you have questions about these tools or need assistance, contact us at [email protected]. We’re here to help!