Private Eye Opt Out: Personal Information Removal Guide 2024

By Unzila Siddique

Unzila Siddique

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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12 February 2024
13 mins read

Table of Content

Table of Contents

Imagine this: You're scrolling through your day online when you spot a link with your name. You click and land on "Private Eye," a data broker site that deals in personal information. Private Eye offers a preview of your life - your age, locations, contact details, and connections, just enough to spark curiosity.

But here's the twist: They redirect you to PeopleFinders, their partner in data crime, for the full story, for just a dollar. Birth records, marriage records, phone numbers, addresses - they've got it all.

These data brokers capitalize on your curiosity, enticing you with breadcrumbs and the promise of the whole loaf. So, will you play their game or safeguard your story in a world where information is power? The choice is yours, and remember, you have the power to opt out.

Disclaimer: While this story is a work of fiction, its essence draws inspiration from the ever-evolving landscape of digital privacy and data brokerage.

Key Takeaways

PrivateEye.com exposes personal details online, from addresses to criminal records.
Opting out of PrivateEye requires filling out a form, but the removal time is unspecified.
Data from platforms like PrivateEye originates from public records, with various applications.
Use caution on such platforms due to potential privacy risks.
Regain control over your information by navigating Private Eye's opt-out process.
Explore PurePrivacy for a streamlined solution to enhance online privacy by removing your data from broker databases.

From anonymity to insight: How does Private Eye's data gathering work?

Private Eye, a data broker site, collaborates with PeopleFinders to provide services like people search, address lookup, and reverse phone lookup. This common approach in the industry involves smaller data brokers acting as gateways to larger ones, offering more comprehensive profiles.

Private Eye's data collection process

Private Eye's data collection is like a digital puzzle. They begin by using digital spiders to search the internet for bits of information on websites and social media. They also dig into real-world records like property and marriage documents. Private Eye partners with data brokers to expand their data sources. They gather data from user interactions and submissions on their platform and through third-party apps. They also use tracking technology and even trickery to collect data. Understanding this process is vital for safeguarding your data and controlling your digital presence in today's data-driven world.

The role of PeopleFinders in data aggregation

Private Eye reveals age, current/past locations, redacted emails/numbers, and connections; clicking "view details" redirects to PeopleFinders. The latter offers a broader database, allowing anyone to access uncensored personal information including birth/marriage records, addresses, and property details for a minimal fee.

Opting out methods: Shielding your identity

Opting out methods is crucial for regaining control of personal information and securing online privacy. Private Eye offers a direct yet somewhat time-consuming process through their website, usually taking about a week for data removal. In contrast, PurePrivacy provides a quicker option, taking just 30 seconds to start and send removal requests to multiple data brokers, enhancing privacy protection. The choice between these methods depends on the user's preference for simplicity and the speed of data removal from public databases.

Method 1: Opt-out directly from Private Eye’s website

Step 1: Visit Private Eye's website

Fill in the opt out form available on the website.

Step 2: Submit the opt out form

Once the relevant details like first, middle and last name are added along with the state.
Verify you're human.
Submit the information.
Click the "Opt out" tab.

Step 3: Your data removal begins

Once the opt-out form has been submitted, your data removal journey will be in process.
Though Private Eye doesn't commit to a timeframe but it should be gone within a week or so if not more.

Duration of this exercise: 5-7 minutes

Please note: You’ll have to use a premium VPN service like PureVPN to access Private Eye's website.

Method 2: Streamlined Private Eye opt-out via PurePrivacy

PurePrivacy can be a powerful ally in the quest for data removal and maintaining control over your personal information as the pervasive tracking and logging of online activities pose a significant risk to users' privacy. Here's how PurePrivacy can assist:

PurePrivacy's Remove My Data feature combats this threat. Users provide basic details, and PurePrivacy sends data removal requests to 130+ data brokers. While verification isn't guaranteed, it confirms deletion from publicly accessible databases.
PurePrivacy offers a dashboard displaying data brokers and their collected
information, with risk scores. Users can track removal requests, communicate with brokers, and receive weekly reports. Removal time varies, typically 30-60 days.

Preserve your cyber anonymity: Unmasking the data broker ecosystem

When it concerns your online privacy, grasping the operations of data brokers is crucial. Safeguard your digital realm using these straightforward measures.

Master data broker operations: Dedicate time to comprehending the activities of data brokers—what information they collect, how they employ it, and your rights under evolving privacy regulations.
Scrutinize privacy regulations: Delve into the rules governing apps and services. Exercise caution if they share your data with third parties, particularly data brokers.
Safeguard your information: Approach sharing personal content online, particularly on social media, with caution. Regularly fine-tune your privacy settings to maintain control.
Leverage opt-out choices: Explore the opt-out options provided by data brokers. If available, take the initiative to eliminate your data from their databases.
Maintain vigilance: Remain vigilant over your online accounts and financial matters. Routinely monitor your credit reports to detect any errors or unauthorized activities swiftly.
Amplify awareness: Extend your knowledge of online privacy to friends and family. Advocate for safe information practices and encourage them to fortify their digital security.

Here are some alarming facts - Hacker attacks occur approximately every 39 seconds, and in 2023, there have already been several noteworthy instances of cybersecurity breaches. Some of these are believed to be repeat incidents from prior years or even recent months. Additionally, certain smaller companies within the healthcare sector have experienced significant data leaks.

Based on IBM Security's 2022 Cost of a Data Breach Report, a staggering 83% of organizations have suffered multiple breaches. Notably, between March 2021 and February 2022, around 42 million records were potentially compromised due to data breaches.

These compromised records encompass a wide range of information, spanning from basic first names and email addresses to more sensitive data like passport copies, confidential healthcare records, and financial particulars.

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.

Comparing data opt-out services: Private Eye vs. PurePrivacy

Opting out manually from Private Eye

Go to the Private Eye website.
Find the opt-out form at https://www.privateeye.com/static/view/optout/
Fill in and submit the opt-out form.
And that’s all - you’re done!

PurePrivacy

Launch the app (10 seconds)
Create a profile (10 seconds)
Give consent (10 seconds)

Within the corporate sphere, the issue of privacy has risen in prominence, driven by various factors. The swift proliferation of global data privacy regulations, the escalating frequency of ransomware attacks, and the mounting apprehensions among consumers regarding the commercial exploitation of their personal information are the key contributors to this trend.

According to insights from the Pew Research Center, a substantial 79% of US adults express concerns over how companies handle their data. Establishing transparency in data utilization and upholding privacy norms not only resonates with ethics but also confers a competitive edge.

Additionally, businesses are realizing an average return on investment (ROI) of 1.8% from their investments in endeavors related to privacy. An overwhelming 92% of companies acknowledge a moral duty to employ consumer data sincerely and transparently, as highlighted by Cisco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Private Eye legit?

Private Eye is a website offering personal information search services, but its legitimacy and privacy practices have raised concerns. While it might provide accurate information, there have been issues with outdated or incorrect data. It's important to be cautious and aware of potential privacy risks when using such services.
How does Private Eye get my information?

Private Eye collects information from publicly available sources like public records, online directories, and social media profiles to create a consolidated database. This information is readily accessible, but the service aggregates it, potentially raising privacy concerns.
How long does it take to opt out of Private Eye?

The duration for opting out of Private Eye can vary. While the website doesn't commit to a specific timeline for removing your information, it's generally expected that the process should be completed within approximately a week.
Does Private Eye get my data back after the opt-out process?

Once you've gone through the opt-out process on Private Eye, your information should be removed from their platform. However, it's important to note that data handling and retention practices can vary, so there's no guarantee that your data won't be stored elsewhere or reappear in the future. Moreover, PurePrivacy does that seamlessly for the user by freeing them of the hassle of checking it over and over again with its automated process.
How can I directly contact Private Eye?

If you intend to get in touch with them, you can usually locate a "Contact Us" section on their website. This section will help provide the contact form, email address, or customer support details that you require.

Conclusion

This article sheds light on data brokers, specifically Private Eye, and its alliance with PeopleFinders. It reveals the lure of partial information leading to full disclosure on partner platforms. PurePrivacy emerges as a solution, safeguarding data removal. Caution in online sharing and direct opt-out from Private Eye's website are advocated. The piece underscores the power of choice in a data-driven world.

Simplify your online presence today
With PurePrivacy, make sure all your personal data remains safe without a hassle!

Get PurePrivacy

References

https://www.independent.co.uk/advisor/vpn/live-data-breaches-and-stats
https://www.dataguard.co.uk/blog/30-most-important-privacy-statistics-and-facts-for-2023
www.purevpn.com