The more you use the Internet, the more your personal data online becomes scattered all over the place. For example, every time you sign up for a new social media platform or buy something online, you’re giving those companies a piece of your personal data.
Your information is collected by both companies and entities called data brokers. Data brokers sell your information to other companies who can use your information to sell targeted advertisements to you. If you’re like me, you’ve intentionally provided online data without knowing what you were actually doing, for example when signing up for a rewards program. And you’re now paying for it with ads that track you around the internet. But now Consumer Reports has an app called Permission Slip that lets you contact companies on your behalf and tell them to stop selling your information.
Learn more about how to use permission slips to reassert control over your online data. Plus, his six tips for protecting your data privacy and why you need a password manager.
What is a permit slip?
To take back some of your personal data, some states have passed laws that give you some control over the processing of your personal data. Some states can prohibit data brokers from selling your data or permanently delete your online data. But the process of managing your data on websites can be confusing, and it’s often unclear whether you’re opting in or out of having your personal data sold. Additionally, the nature of how data is explored can make it nearly impossible to find. all Protect your online data.
This is where services like Consumer Reports’ Permission Slip come into play. Permission Slip works to collect where your data may be stored, including over 100 companies that use your personal information. All you have to do is submit a request to have your information permanently deleted or simply not sold.
How should I use the license slip?
To start using Permission Slip, simply sign up for the service using your email address. I decided to sign up with the email address I often use when signing up for rewards programs or creating accounts online. That way I would be addressing most of the places that could be selling my data.
Once you sign up, you’ll see options for popular companies and data brokers that can obtain your information. If that company may have your data and you want to do something about it, Learn more and take action.If you believe this company does not hold your data and would prefer not to see it as an option, please select hide Your suggestions will not be blocked.
Once selected Learn more and take action A screen will appear showing you what type of data the company typically collects and what options you have. Depending on the company and the state in which you live, you may have the option to prevent the company from selling your data or delete your account entirely. If you delete your account, please note that if you are part of that company’s rewards program, you will also lose those benefits if you delete your account.
If you decide to delete your account with a particular company or simply prevent them from selling your data, here are some questions to help companies and data brokers accurately identify you and better manage your data. is done by Permission Slip. information.
After entering your personal information for the first time, the process of continuing to delete your data is very simple. Simply scroll through the permission slip suggestions, select the companies that may have your information, and delete your account or prevent them from using your data.
It is important to note that while Permission Slip is submitting a request on your behalf, we may still need to confirm your request directly with the business. It may also take some time for your request to be processed and your information removed, so patience is important during this process.
For more information, see Best Internet Providers of 2023 and Best VPNs of 2023.