Cloaked Data Deletion helps remove your personal information from public data brokers and keeps it from reappearing over time. This guide explains what data brokers are, how Cloaked removes your information, what happens after you sign up, and why the process takes time.
What are data brokers and why does this matter?
Data brokers are companies that collect, combine, and sell personal information about people.
This can include:
• Name
• Phone numbers
• Home addresses
• Email addresses
• Relatives
• Employment history
Data brokers gather this information from public records, online activity, and other third-party sources. They package the data into searchable profiles and sell access to businesses, marketers, and sometimes other brokers.
Because many brokers share and republish data from each other, your information can quickly spread across hundreds of sites.
In the United States and many other regions, these companies are required to remove your information if you request it. However:
• There are hundreds of brokers
• Each broker has a different opt-out process
• Information can reappear after removal
Cloaked automates much of this process and continues monitoring for reappearance.
How Cloaked removes your data
Step 1: The free exposure scan
When you first use Cloaked’s Data Removal feature, the system performs a free scan.
This scan searches known public data brokers to identify where your personal information may appear.
The scan helps:
• Identify which brokers likely have your data
• Estimate how much information is exposed
• Create your Data Deletion Dashboard
Important:
The free scan does not remove your information.
Removal requests begin only after you activate a paid Cloaked subscription.
The scan simply shows where your data may be exposed and where removal requests would be sent.
Step 2: Submitting removal requests
Once you subscribe to Cloaked Data Removal, the platform begins submitting removal requests to data brokers on your behalf.
This process usually begins within about 14 business days after enrollment.
Each data broker has its own timeline for processing requests, and many brokers require identity verification before completing a removal.
Because of this, removals happen gradually rather than all at once.
Step 3: Monitoring and repeat removals
Data deletion is not a one-time process.
Data brokers frequently:
• Refresh their databases
• Purchase new datasets
• Re-collect public information
This means your information can sometimes reappear even after it has been removed.
This is not a one-time action. Ongoing monitoring is what prevents your information from quietly coming back. Monitoring continues as long as your subscription remains active.
Understanding your Data Deletion Dashboard
You can track progress in the Data Deletion Dashboard on mobile or desktop.
The dashboard shows:
• Data brokers currently being worked on
• Removal requests that have been submitted
• Records that have already been removed
Progress may appear in stages such as:
• In progress – a request has been submitted and is waiting for broker review
• Pending verification – the broker requires additional confirmation
• Removed – the record has been taken down
It is normal for some requests to remain in progress for several weeks while brokers process them.
Why one site may have multiple records
Some data brokers contain multiple records for the same person.
For example, a single broker may list:
• Several past addresses
• Multiple phone numbers
• Different variations of your name
Because of this, the dashboard tracks records removed, not just websites removed.
You may see several removals tied to a single data broker.
How long does data deletion take?
Timelines vary by broker and are largely outside Cloaked’s control. Typical ranges are:
Fastest removals: as little as 48 hours
Average removal time: 2–3 weeks
Full removals across all brokers: up to 2–3 months
Even when removals are complete, monitoring continues as long as your subscription is active. If a broker is being stubborn, we continue to follow up and re-request on your behalf.
Why does Cloaked need my personal information?
Data brokers require enough detail to confirm they are removing information for the correct person. This helps prevent accidental removal for someone with a similar name or a recycled phone number.
Your information is used to:
Identify which brokers have your data
Submit accurate, legally valid removal requests
Monitor for reappearance over time
Cloaked does not sell or share your personal information for advertising or marketing purposes. You can review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Do you store my information?
During the initial search phase, information is only used temporarily
If you subscribe, your information is stored securely so Cloaked can submit and monitor removal requests
You can update or correct your enrollment details at any time
If you entered incorrect information, you can edit it by following the guide on managing your enrollment details.
Why is an active subscription required?
A Cloaked subscription enables three things:
Ongoing monitoring and repeated removals as data brokers refresh their databases
Access to up to $1 million in identity theft insurance and support resources
Full use of Cloaked tools to reduce future exposure, including masked emails and phone numbers
Without continued monitoring, data brokers often republish information after an initial removal.
How do I track progress?
You can view the status of your data deletion requests in the Data Deletion Dashboard on mobile and desktop. This shows which brokers are being worked on and where requests are in the process.
What can I do while deletion is in progress?
You can strengthen your results by:
Adding additional details to your enrollment if needed
Using Cloaked emails and phone numbers instead of your real ones
Avoiding posting personal details publicly when possible
If you haven’t seen progress after a couple of weeks, our support team can investigate.