In one sentence: A data broker is a company that collects information about people and sells or shares it with others.
Why it matters: In the US, people search sites are one kind of data broker, and most let you ask to be removed (opt out), one site at a time. Your details can come back if public records change. In the UK, the ICO says you can ask an organization to delete your data, and in some cases it must. This is not legal advice.
One thing to do: Search your name on one people search site. If you find a report about you, look for its opt-out link. Use only the site’s own opt-out page, and give only the details the form asks for.
Related terms: privacy settings, opt out, identity theft
Checked: 25 Oct 2026. Rules and prices change. If yours looks different, check the organization's own page.
