Questions
Plain answers about Free My ID. Tap a question to see the answer.
Myth vs. fact
Myth: Posting "I do not give Facebook permission…" on my page protects my information.
Fact: That post doesn't reach the companies that sell your details, and they aren't required to honor it. A removal request sent to each site, through the process that site uses, is what works. That's what Free My ID sends. In states with a privacy law, sites must answer; elsewhere many still honor it.
Myth: If I'm not on social media, I'm not online.
Fact: People-search sites build listings from public records and purchased data. You can be listed, with address, age and relatives, without ever having a Facebook account.
Common questions
Is it really free?
Yes. There is no trial, no card and no account. The app is free and open source.
Is this a scam? How do I know?
We never ask for your Social Security number, bank or card details, and the app never asks for a payment. The code is public, and you can check the download's fingerprint. How to check that Free My ID is genuine.
Where does my information go?
Your details stay on your computer. Nothing is sent to us. The app contacts only the sites you are asking to remove you, your own email and our public list of sites. What Free My ID stores, and where.
Will this remove me from the whole internet?
No, and be wary of anyone who promises that. Free My ID asks people-search and data-broker sites to remove your listing, shows you which ones confirmed, and keeps checking. It can't remove news stories, social media posts or government records.
Do sites have to remove me?
It depends on where you live. California and a growing number of states have privacy laws that require these sites to answer removal requests. In states without such a law, the request is a polite one. Many sites honor it anyway, but some don't. Free My ID tells you honestly which sites confirmed and which are still waiting.
Will it ask for my Social Security number or bank details?
No. Free My ID never asks for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit or debit card details. If anything claiming to be Free My ID asks you for these, it isn't us. See everything we will never ask for.
Can I set it up for my parents?
Yes. It's made for that. You can set it up on their computer, or protect several family members from one computer.
I posted "I do not consent." Did that work?
You were right to object. On its own, that post doesn't reach the sites that sell your details. Free My ID sends your wish to them directly. Read more about the "I do not consent" post.
Does it change what Facebook does with my account?
No. Free My ID works on people-search sites. For Facebook itself, use the privacy settings inside Facebook.
Who buys this information?
Anyone can: employers, marketers, curious neighbors, strangers. People-search sites sell what they collect to whoever pays. A report to the Director of National Intelligence, made public in 2023, warned that this kind of data can "facilitate blackmail, stalking, harassment, and public shaming." That's why taking yourself off these sites matters.
How long does it take?
Setup is six short screens. Some sites remove you within days; others take weeks. Free My ID keeps track so you don't have to.
Why would my listing come back?
Sites buy fresh data from public records and from one another, so listings can reappear. That doesn't mean anything failed. Free My ID checks each site again on a schedule and sends a new request if your listing comes back.
Will this remove me from Google?
No. Free My ID doesn't contact Google. Once the site has removed your listing, Google drops the page on its own schedule, which can take a while. Google's "Refresh outdated content" tool can speed it up.
Can I do this without the app?
Yes. Our free opt-out guides show the steps for some of the best-known sites. Free My ID does the repetitive part for you, keeps track, and keeps checking.
Why does Windows warn me when I install it?
Windows shows a blue "Windows protected your PC" box for new programs that haven't bought a publisher certificate. Free My ID hasn't bought one yet. See what to click, with pictures.
Is there a Mac or phone version?
Not yet. Free My ID is made for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Is this a government service?
No. Free My ID is independent, free software. It isn't connected to any government agency, Facebook/Meta or data broker.