Stop Data Mining

We all know that our personal data is very valuable to marketers and other companies — and that it’s collected and sold by data brokers. This is a directory of opt-out links to stop these data brokers from collecting and selling information about your online and offline activities.

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What is Data Mining?

The business of mining consumer data is a multi-hundred-billion-dollar global industry often referred to academically as Surveillance Capitalism or Targeted Ad Monetization. At its core, the business model converts human behavior—your searches, locations, purchases, and browsing habits—into predictive intelligence sold to marketers.

What Companies Are Mining My Data?

Tech platforms (e.g., Google, Meta, Amazon, TikTok) collect data directly from users in exchange for “free” services. They track clicks, watch time, location, interests, and device IDs. Third-party “data brokers” (e.g., Acxiom, LiveRamp, Epsilon Data Management) aggregate offline public records, store purchase histories, and app telemetry to build unified individual profiles.

How Do I Opt-Out of Data Mining?

If you reside in California, use the state’s Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform (DROP) to submit a single request that forces over 600 registered data brokers to delete and stop selling your data. If you live elsewhere, you must submit removal requests directly through the privacy portal of each data mining company.

Reduced Exposure to Data Breaches & Identity Theft

When companies and data brokers do not store your information, your sensitive details — such as home address, phone number, and location history — cannot be exposed or sold on dark web marketplaces if those companies suffer a security breach.

Protection Against Algorithmic Price Discrimination

Ad networks and retailers use consumer profiling to infer your income bracket and purchasing habits, sometimes using surveillance pricing (dynamic pricing) to charge higher rates for flights, hotels, or consumer goods based on your browsing history.

Shielding from Manipulative Micro-Targeting

Data profiles track vulnerabilities (such as health conditions, financial distress, or political views). Opting out makes it harder for malicious actors, predatory lenders, or aggressive political campaigns to target you with dark patterns or coercive ads.

Decrease Spam, Phishing, & Robocalls

Removing your contact information from commercial data broker registries directly reduces cold calls, spam SMS messages, junk physical mail, and spear-phishing attempts.

Greater Control Over Your Digital Reputation

Aggregated data broker profiles can misrepresent your creditworthiness, employment history, or lifestyle to third parties. Restricting data collection ensures outdated or inaccurate information isn’t used to judge you automatically.

Take Control of Your Digital Identity

Data mining is everywhere online and IRL. Opting out of data mining is a foundational step in preserving personal autonomy, preventing exploitative financial practices, and mitigating long-term security risks in an increasingly automated society. Opting out asserts your right to withhold your personal life as raw material for third-party profit.