How to delete or hide yourself from the internet - 11 effective ways (and most are free)

ZDNET's comprehensive guide, authored by contributing writer Charlie Osborne and reviewed by Elyse Betters Picaro, outlines 11 effective methods for individuals to delete or hide their personal information from the internet. The article emphasizes that while completely erasing a digital footprint is nearly impossible, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce one's online visibility and protect against data scraping, targeted marketing, and real-world consequences from old posts. The guide is framed as essential reading for maintaining privacy in an era where a single misjudged tweet or an old Facebook photo can impact careers and relationships.

The first critical step recommended is to run a comprehensive Google search on your full name to audit what information is publicly available, including social media links, images, and website mentions. The guide advises using multiple search engines like Bing for broader results. Following this audit, the actionable steps focus on removing personal data from Google Search itself, managing social media privacy settings, and dealing with data brokers. ZDNET positions these methods as a necessary defense against constant privacy invasions and a way to 'wipe the slate clean' for personal safety reasons, such as stalking or abuse.