We understand that waiting for data removal can be frustrating, especially when your personal information is at stake. This guide aims to explain the process of data broker removal, why it can take time, and what steps PrivacyHawk is taking behind the scenes to ensure your data is removed as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Why Does Data Broker Removal Take 30 to 90 Days?
Data broker removal is a complex process that can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days due to a variety of factors. Here are some of the reasons why it may take this long:
Number of Data Brokers Involved: There are hundreds of data brokers that collect, sell, and share personal information. Each broker has its own process and timelines for handling removal requests. PrivacyHawk contacts each broker on your behalf, but the response time can vary significantly from broker to broker.
Verification Processes: Many data brokers have stringent verification processes to confirm your identity before they will process a removal request. This ensures that they are not removing data without proper authorization, but it also adds time to the process.
Manual Review: In some cases, data brokers may need to perform a manual review of the data removal request, which can add additional delays. PrivacyHawk follows up on these requests to ensure they are processed, but the manual nature of these reviews means that the timeline is often out of our hands.
The Steps PrivacyHawk Takes to Remove Your Data
Here’s what happens behind the scenes when you request data broker removal through PrivacyHawk:
Initial Scan: PrivacyHawk conducts an initial scan to identify which data brokers currently hold your information on a monthly basis.
Removal Request Submission: Once we identify the data brokers, we submit removal requests to each of them on your behalf. We include all the necessary information they need to verify your identity and process the request.
Follow-Ups: Many data brokers require multiple follow-ups to ensure that they process the removal requests. PrivacyHawk stays on top of these follow-ups, advocating for your privacy every step of the way.
Confirmation of Removal: Once the data broker confirms that your data has been removed, PrivacyHawk updates your account to reflect this progress. We share monthly email updates to keep you informed and you can find successfully removed items in the Protected tab within the tool.
How You Can Track the Progress
PrivacyHawk provides you with tools to track the progress of your data removal requests. Here's how you can stay updated:
Processing Tab: In the PrivacyHawk app, under the 'Processing' tab, you will find all items that were found by the monthly scan. Under each item, you will find a progress bar that provides an estimated time for removal. Keep in mind that if you ever see this progress bar restart, it means that a new item has been found under the same data broker and we are working on removing it.
Protected Tab: For fully removed items, you will find them under the 'Protected' tab. We organize removed items under each data broker to keep everything neatly arranged for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why haven’t I seen a reduction in spam calls or emails yet?
Data broker removal can take up to 90 days, and during this period, it’s possible that your information is still circulating among brokers. As removals are processed, you should start to see a gradual reduction in spam calls and emails.
Can PrivacyHawk remove my data from all data brokers?
PrivacyHawk targets the most impactful data brokers that hold the majority of consumer information. While it may not be possible to remove your data from every single broker, our approach focuses on those that have the largest reach and most influence.
Do I need to do anything during this process?
No, PrivacyHawk handles all aspects of the data removal process for you, including follow-ups.
Need More Help?
If you have any questions about the data broker removal process or want to know more about your data removal status, please reach out to our support team at [email protected]. We’re here to help you regain control of your privacy.