How to Delete Your Personal Data From the Internet and Mailing Lists

Why Request the Deletion of Personal Information?

As we become increasingly intertwined with the world of technology, we’re able to enjoy advantages such as faster communication, more convenient research capabilities, and smoother processes in our daily lives. However, with these benefits come some hefty risks: the potential misuse of personal information. From cellular data to credit cards and emails, having someone else access our personal information can have serious repercussions—both financially and psychologically disturbing. Keeping our personal data safe is essential to preserving our well-being and preventing potential fraud or theft.

Therefore, it’s crucial that we take active steps to protect ourselves through requesting the deletion of personal information whenever we can. Requesting removal of our information from third-party apps, websites, databases and other digital storage solutions is a great way for us to keep control over who has access to the details about us—and goes a long way towards decreasing the chances that any of it will be misused by malicious outsiders.

There are several regulations that are designed to protect personal data such as:

• The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - This is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). It also addresses the export of personal data outside the EU and EEA.
• The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) - This is a privacy law in the U.S. state of California that went into effect in 2020. It grants California consumers the right to request that businesses disclose personal information they have collected about them and request that it be deleted.
• The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) - This is a federal privacy law in Canada that applies to organizations that collect, use, or disclose personal information in the course of commercial activities.

Tips for Writing a Letter or Email to Have Personal Data Deleted

1. Clearly state your request: Make it clear in your letter or email that you’re requesting the deletion of your personal information.
2. Include your contact information: Make sure to include your name, address, and any other relevant contact information so that the recipient can verify your identity.
3. Specify which personal information you want deleted: Be specific about which personal information you want deleted, such as your name, address, or email address.
4. Provide any necessary supporting documentation: If necessary, include any supporting documentation, such as a copy of your ID or a letter from a medical professional, to verify your identity or show that you have a legitimate reason for requesting the deletion of your personal information.
5. Use a professional tone: While it's important to be firm in your request, try to use a professional tone in your letter or email. Avoid using aggressive language or making threats.

Also, it's a good idea to keep a copy of your letter or email for your own records. This can be useful if you need to follow up on your request or if you need to prove that you made the request in the future.