AdDefend Opt Out: Personal Information Removal Guide 2024

  • By Unzila Siddique

    Unzila Siddique

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    Hi, I'm a part time content writer and full time SEO dabbling in the world of cybersecurity, one step at a time.

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  • 13 February 2024
  • 10 mins read

Identity theft cases skyrocketed in 2023, with over 560,000 cases reported in the first six months. There’s no better way to protect yourself from falling victim to ID theft than to opt out and remove your data from public places and data brokers. 

We created this AdDefend opt-out guide to walk you through the steps of removing your data from this broker’s database and enhancing your digital privacy

Key Takeaways

  • AdDefend was founded by Dominik Reisig, Michael Reese, and Thomas Ritcher in Hamburg in 2015.
  • It entails storing contact details pertaining to people alongside social media identifiers and online identifiers.
  • Deleting your details from AdDefend minimizes the chances of sending you targeted advertisement messages.
  • With PurePrivacy, you can opt out of AdDefend automatically or choose to do it manually through its service.
  • PurePrivacy enables you to eradicate your info from AdDefend and over 130 other info vendors.

What is AdDefend, and What Does It Do?

AdDefend is an online platform allowing publishers and advertisers to circumvent users’ ad blockers, improving their net reach by 20%. The company operates over 150 premium publishers and has a referral program.

It offers publishers an easy way out. It provides them with a full-fill rate guarantee, single connection, and campaign performance analysis to enable publishers to broaden their reach and earning capacity.

AdDefend relies heavily on people’s data to run its operations.  Privacy concerns have emerged because of AdDefend’s practices, as it leaves people's data susceptible to hackers and cybercriminals. Opting out is the only way to protect your data.

How AdDefend Collects People’s Data

AdDefend acquires data either by direct user submission or indirectly through means that involve collecting contact info, social media identifiers, and online identifiers, respectively. These are:

User-Level Data Collection

With user consent, AdDefend may collect and process their data, including IP addresses, device IDs, browser types, and activities that users perform on the Internet. This data is collected using cookies.

Group-Level Data Collection

Even without individual consent, group data is anonymously collected by AdDefend. It randomly divides the collected data into groups. Similarly, this type of data is used in a way that it does not identify individual users as they do with user-level data collection.

How AdDefend Uses Your Personal Information

The company utilizes the data related to different people on numerous ends. These purposes include: 

It uses this information to detect trends, make changes, and progress. This enables it to enhance service delivery and assist both publishers and advertisers in making wiser decisions.

Targeted advertisement

It uses the collected information regarding people and creates relevant content using these perceived trends. This helps in focusing on particular or directed advertising.

Reach measurement

Using collected data for reach measurement includes assessing how effective ads are at engaging people. It is with this in mind that advertisers can determine the impacts and efficiencies of their campaigns. Therefore, to help its clients in improving their approaches for improved outcomes.

Statistical analysis

It stores and analyzes this data to generate better marketing strategies. This process provides invaluable insights, enabling the advertiser to make better decisions, increase the effectiveness of the campaigns, and provide relevant content.

Why Opting Out of AdDefend Is Important

Trust me; you don’t want to experience the dangers of having your information publicly available online. Hackers and cybercriminals are always on the lookout for such data to cause havoc. 

Identity theft, scams, and other illegal activities are the result of such events. Opting out is the only chance you have at avoiding such incidents. Utilize this great opportunity to remove your data from AdDefend and safeguard your digital privacy.

How to Remove Your Data from AdDefend

Consider removing your information from AdDefend to safeguard your online privacy and manage your digital presence. You can choose from the following two options to opt out of AdDefend:

  • Manually opt out of AdDefend.
  • Automatically opt out of AdDefend with PurePrivacy.

Method 1: The Basic AdDefend Opt-Out Procedure (manual).

AdDefend offers a manual opt-out option through its platform. Detailed procedure to do this is outlined below:

Step 1: Visit the AdDefend website.

Screenshot of AdDefend homepage
  • Alternatively, you can also send your AdDefend opt-out request by emailing [email protected].
  • State clearly in your message that you want your data removed from its database.

Upon receiving your email, AdDefend will inform you personally. It will remove your information from its database.

Method 2: Opt Out Using PurePrivacy - Your Automated Opt-Out Solution

Screenshot of PurePrivacy's homepage

Users can opt out of data brokers' databases using PurePrivacy. It is a digital platform that improves your online privacy management.

Using PurePrivacy to opt out of AdDefend removes the need for manual procedure. This is how PurePrivacy makes managing privacy easier:

Centralized Privacy Management

PurePrivacy enables users to easily manage online privacy across various platforms from a single location.

Request Removal on Your Behalf

With your consent, PurePrivacy will request AdDefend and over 130 other data brokers to delete your information. 

Block Online Tracking and Personalized Ads

PurePrivacy shows you how your data is being stored or shared and how to stop it, allowing you to avoid online tracking and personalized ads.

Steps to Opt-Out Using PurePrivacy

  • From web app:

    ● Visit the PurePrivacy website.

    ● Sign up to PurePrivacy.

    ● Create your profile.

    ● Provide us your consent.

    ● Once you allow authorization the opt out process will begin. Pure Privacy automatically starts the monitoring & opt out process for your information. First ask them if they have your data or not. If they have simply opted out of data on behalf of you. This all process was done within a short period of time. Also Send a weekly email summary that combines and summarizes the activity related to removing data.

    From Mobile App (Android & IOS):

    ● Launch PurePrivacy mobile app.

    ● Signup or Login to your account.

    ● Enter Details to create your profile.

    ● Allow us your express authorization to start the opt out process.

    ● Once you allow authorization the opt out process will begin. Pure Privacy automatically starts the monitoring & opt out process for your information. First ask them if they have your data or not. If they have simply opted out of data on behalf of you. This all process was done within a short period of time. Also Send a weekly email summary that combines and summarizes the activity related to removing data.

Manual Opt-Out Vs. PurePrivacy

  • Requires you to send an email
  • You might have to send multiple emails before your data is removed
  • Complete removal of your data is not guaranteed
  • You will be required to verify your identity, meaning you have to send more personal information
  • Automatically removes your data from AdDefend
  • Contacts and monitors all data brokers with your data until they remove it
  • Does not require your input
  • Complete deletion of your data is guaranteed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Does AdDefend collect my personal information?

    Plus

    Yes, AdDefend collects your personal information and uses it for different purposes.

  • What are the methods I can use to opt out of AdDefend?

    Plus

    You can opt out of AdDefend manually by following comprehensive steps, or you can use PurePrivacy to opt out automatically.

  • How can I know which businesses have access to my data in AdDefend’s database?

    Plus

    AdDefend and other data brokers don't disclose specific businesses accessing your data in their databases. However, you can access and request this information under data privacy laws.

  • Can I request to see the data that AdDefend has collected about me?

    Plus

    AdDefend or other data brokers may provide access to your data under specific privacy regulations. You can contact them for details on the process.

  • Does AdDefend delete my data immediately after I submit a manual opt-out request on their website?

    Plus

    No, AdDefend will not remove your data after you have submitted an opt-out request. They will do so after a few days.

  • Simplify your online presence today

    With PurePrivacy, make sure all your personal data remains safe without a hassle!

Your Privacy Matters

You can’t trust any data broker with the safety and security of your data, not even AdDefend. These data brokers are easy targets for scammers and identity thieves, and you risk being a victim if you don’t opt out and remove your data. PurePrivacy can help remove your data from all data brokers and protect your digital privacy. Opt out now to regain your digital freedom.