National Public Data (NPD), once notorious for one of the largest data breaches in history, has resurfaced under new ownership. After exposing the personal details of 3 billion individuals, the site has reemerged as Perfect Privacy LLC, which raises fresh concerns regarding privacy and data accuracy. While the site continues to operate similarly to its former self, experts warn that individuals must take proactive measures to safeguard their personal information.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Who owns National Public Data now? |
| 2) Accuracy issues and data sources |
| 3) How to remove your information from NPD |
| 4) Why NPD is only part of the problem |
| 5) Key Steps to Protect Your Privacy |
Who owns National Public Data now?
National Public Data has recently relaunched under the ownership of Perfect Privacy LLC. This new name emphasizes a veneer of protection, though it must be noted that it is not related to the well-known VPN service of the same name. While NPD reappears in a different guise, its operational model remains unchanged; it still permits users to access detailed personal information about friends, family, or complete strangers using only their names.
The return of NPD has reignited discussions around the ethics and implications of data brokerage. Critics argue that despite disclaimers about compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the potential for misuse of this data remains high. This misuse could take various forms, such as impacting employment decisions, housing opportunities, or credit applications based solely on unverified online profiles.
Thus, the question of responsible data usage becomes paramount. As Perfect Privacy LLC steps into the shoes of NPD, the onus remains on individuals to utilize this platform wisely and cautiously.
Accuracy issues and data sources
According to the information provided by NPD, the data available on their platform is sourced from public records, property ownership databases, social media channels, and various government agencies. The company asserts that it works to verify and filter this information to enhance accuracy. However, the reliability of this data is often called into question.
Initial tests reveal varying degrees of accuracy; while some searches return correct information, others yield outdated or incorrect data. For instance, the platform struggles with hyphenated names, which can lead to frustrating inaccuracies. Despite the company’s claims of verification, the inconsistencies make it essential for users to double-check the data they find.
Requests for further comments from NPD regarding these accuracy concerns went unanswered before the deadline for this report, further fueling skepticism surrounding the site’s data practices.
How to remove your information from NPD
For those who prefer to keep their personal information private, steps can be taken to opt-out of having your data available on NPD’s site. Here’s a streamlined guide to assist in the removal process:
- Search for your name on nationalpublicdata.com.
- Access your profile and copy the URL associated with it.
- Navigate to nationalpublicdata.com/optout.html.
- Paste the URL into the “Your Profile Link” field.
- Enter your email address to confirm the deletion process.
It is important to note that each profile requires an individual request for removal. Once submitted, users should revisit the site a few days later to confirm that their information has indeed been removed.
Pro Tip: Utilizing an alias or disposable email address for the opt-out requests can aid in tracking confirmations while keeping your primary inbox free from clutter.
Why NPD is only part of the problem
Removing personal data from National Public Data is just the tip of the iceberg. Numerous other people search sites exist that may still display your personal information. Many of these platforms draw data from the same public databases, meaning your address, phone number, and even relatives’ names can resurface elsewhere.
The resurgence of NPD serves as a stark reminder of how swiftly data can reappear online. Even if a particular breach fades from public view, the exposed information often lingers in various corners of the internet. Thus, a comprehensive approach is necessary for individuals aiming to protect their privacy.
Key Steps to Protect Your Privacy
To truly safeguard your privacy, individuals should consider adopting a multi-faceted strategy:
- **Regularly Check for Your Data:** Conduct searches for your name on various people search engines multiple times a year. In addition to NPD, investigate sites like Whitepages, Spokeo, and Radaris.
- **Utilize a Personal Data Removal Service:** These services can simplify the process by scanning numerous databases simultaneously and submitting opt-out requests on your behalf.
- **Monitor Your Accounts:** Keep a watchful eye on your bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts to quickly identify suspicious activities.
- **Set Up Alerts for Your Identity:** Many banks and credit monitoring services allow users to create alerts for unusual activity, providing an additional layer of security.
- **Remove Data at the Source:** Check local government databases for records that may be publicly accessible, and request redactions where applicable.
- **Tighten Your Social Media Settings:** Review the privacy settings on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn, limiting what information is publicly accessible.
Key Points
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | NPD has relaunched as Perfect Privacy LLC, maintaining similar operational practices to its previous incarnation. |
| 2 | Data accuracy is questionable, with many profiles containing outdated or incorrect information. |
| 3 | Individuals can manually opt-out of having their information displayed on NPD. |
| 4 | Removing data from NPD does not eliminate the risk of exposure on other platforms. |
| 5 | A multi-faceted approach is necessary for effective personal privacy protection. |
Summary
The return of National Public Data underscores the persistent risks associated with digital privacy. As individual data can appear on multiple platforms, users are encouraged to stay vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their personal information. By recognizing the limitations of individual opt-out strategies and implementing a broader privacy protection plan, individuals can better navigate the complexities of data brokerage in today’s digital landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What does National Public Data offer?
National Public Data is a people search website that provides access to personal information about individuals based solely on their names.
Question: Why is it important to remove personal information from people search sites?
Removing personal information from these sites reduces the risk of identity theft, unwanted solicitations, and other privacy invasions, as this data can be misused for various purposes.
Question: How often should I check for my personal information online?
It is advisable to check for your data several times a year on various people search engines to stay informed about where your personal information may appear.