Incogni Launches Free Data Exposure Scan To Safeguard Personal Information Online

Incogni has launched a free data exposure scan to help individuals check where their personal information is publicly available. The tool scans public data brokers and people search sites, showing users how exposed they are. Journalists can request free data removal to reduce privacy risks and online threats.

In an era where digital privacy is increasingly under threat, Incogni, a data privacy provider, has introduced a free data exposure scan to help individuals identify where their personal information is publicly available. This tool aims to address concerns related to online doxxing, identity theft, and unsolicited data usage by people search sites and public data brokers.

With political tensions rising, government officials, law enforcement personnel, journalists, and everyday individuals face serious privacy risks. Public data brokers and people search sites compile and sell personal data, including home addresses, contact details, and family information. Such exposure leaves individuals vulnerable to harassment, fraud, and even real-world attacks.

Unlike manual removal, which requires individuals to contact multiple data brokers repeatedly, Incogni automates the removal process. By sending continuous opt-out requests, Incogni ensures that once data is deleted, it does not reappear. Users can track progress via a dashboard and receive regular updates.

How Incogni’s free exposure scan works

Incogni’s free data exposure scan helps individuals identify where their personal information is publicly available. Given that over 300 million online searches for personal data occur daily, this tool is essential in preventing misuse by cybercriminals, advertisers, and fraudsters. The process is simple and efficient:

1. Enter personal details – Users provide their name, address, email, and phone number. These are the key data points that public data brokers collect, with some storing up to 1,500 data points per person.
2. Automated scanning – Incogni searches through hundreds of public data brokers and people search sites, such as PeopleFinders, BeenVerified, and Spokeo, which together control a multi-billion-dollar data brokerage industry.
3. Receive a report – Within one hour, users receive a detailed summary of which companies have published their information and how exposed they are to privacy risks. Studies show that 80% of adults in the U.S. have some form of personal data listed on people search websites.
4. Take control of privacy – Users can opt for Incogni’s automated data removal service, which continuously sends opt-out requests to both public and private databases. Data brokers often relist removed data within months, making ongoing monitoring crucial.

With over 30 million removals completed, Incogni’s service not only identifies personal data exposure but also provides a sustainable solution to keep sensitive information private.

Incogni offers both monthly and annual plans, providing continuous data removals for a 30-day money-back guarantee. If the service does not meet expectations, users can request a full refund.

Data removal for journalists

Journalists often face risks because of the information they publish. Their personal details, such as home addresses, phone numbers, and family information, can be easily found online. This makes them more likely to experience threats, harassment, and online attacks. Public data brokers and people search websites collect and share this information, increasing the risk.

Incogni offers free data removal services for journalists to help them stay safe. Reporters can use the free exposure scan to check where their personal information is listed. Within an hour, they receive a report showing which websites have their details. If they choose, Incogni will start removing this information from public databases at no cost.

According to a study by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), over 70% of journalists have experienced online harassment, with 30% reporting physical threats linked to online exposure. This initiative by Incogni aims to provide journalists with a critical layer of digital security, helping them focus on their work without fear of retaliation.

A service backed by privacy experts

Incogni is developed by Surfshark, a cybersecurity company that started investigating data privacy risks in 2021. During their research, they found that many data brokers collect and sell personal information without proper regulations. To help individuals regain control over their data, Surfshark created Incogni. The service works by enforcing privacy laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) to remove user information from public and private databases.

Privacy experts and technology reviewers have recognised Incogni as an effective solution for protecting personal information. TechRadar states, "Incogni offers a compelling service for users to take back their privacy. We value the annual discount, the weekly updates, the money-back guarantee for 30 days, and that this can save a user hundreds of hours of work."

Beyond individual protection, Incogni extends its services to businesses, law enforcement agencies, healthcare institutions, and government organisations. Ironwall, a premium security solution, provides real-time scanning, legal escalation, and 24/7 emergency support.