Right to Be Forgotten

 

🧩 Guide: How to Remove Your Personal Data from Data-Broker Websites

✅ Objective

Many online platforms (Apollo.io, Lusha, ContactOut, ZoomInfo, Clearbit, etc.) collect and publish personal or professional contact data. This guide explains how you can exercise your Right to Be Forgotten and request complete deletion of your personal information.

1️⃣ Identify where your data appears

1. Search your full name and company in Google using quotes:
   Example: "John Smith" site:apollo.io
2. Visit the company’s directory (if available) and look for your profile.
3. Take a screenshot or save the page link for your records.

2️⃣ Visit each site’s Privacy / Data Removal page

Platform	Data Removal Link	Action
Apollo.io	https://www.apollo.io/privacy/	Fill the GDPR/CCPA form under 'Data Subject Requests'.
Lusha	https://www.lusha.com/remove-my-data/	Complete the removal form.
ContactOut	https://contactout.com/privacy	Scroll to 'Delete or correct your data'.
ZoomInfo	https://www.zoominfo.com/update/remove	Use the form and confirm via email.

For other sites, search Google using queries like "[platform name] data removal" or "[platform name] GDPR request".

3️⃣ Submit a formal Data Erasure Request

If no form exists, send a direct email to the company’s Data Protection Officer (DPO).

Example template:

Subject: Request for Erasure of Personal Data (GDPR Article 17 / CCPA Section 1798.105)

Dear Data Protection Officer,

I request the deletion of all personal data relating to me from your systems in accordance with the applicable data protection laws (GDPR/CCPA).

Name: [Your Full Name]
Email(s): [email@example.com, etc.]
Company (optional): [Company Name]

Please confirm:
1. What personal data do you store about me?
2. That all records and derived data will be deleted.
3. When deletion is complete.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Country, optional]

4️⃣ Track responses

• Under GDPR, companies must respond within 30 days.
• If ignored, file a complaint with your local Data Protection Authority (DPA):
  - EU: https://edpb.europa.eu/about-edpb/about-edpb/members_en
  - UK: https://ico.org.uk/
  - Israel: https://privacy.gov.il/

5️⃣ Optional: Use privacy-protection services

These tools can automate deletion from multiple databases:
• DeleteMe (https://joindeleteme.com)
• OneRep (https://onerep.com)
• Optery (https://optery.com)
• PrivacyBee (https://privacybee.com)

6️⃣ Prevent future exposure

• Avoid posting personal emails/phones publicly.
• Review your LinkedIn and Facebook visibility settings.
• Use business-only emails for registrations.
• Set a Google Alert for your name to monitor new listings.

7️⃣ Summary

Step	Action	Result
1	Search for your data	Identify where the info is published
2	Go to the privacy/opt-out link	Submit deletion request
3	Email DPO if needed	Ensure legal coverage
4	Track and follow up	Confirm data removal
5	Optional tools	Automate removals
6	Monitor	Prevent future leaks

⚖️ Legal Basis

• GDPR Article 17 – Right to Erasure (“Right to Be Forgotten”)
• CCPA/CPRA – Right to Delete Personal Information
• Similar rights exist in Canada (PIPEDA), Israel, Australia, and other jurisdictions.