Opt out
Asking a company not to sell or share your data — which is weaker than asking it to delete it.
In more detail
An opt-out typically stops future sale or sharing. A deletion request asks the company to remove what it already holds. Brokers frequently offer a prominent opt-out and a buried deletion process, because the former costs them less.
Why it matters to you
If you opt out but do not request deletion, your profile often remains live and searchable. The distinction is doing a lot of work in the fine print.
What to do
Request deletion, citing your state statute where you have one. Opt out as well, not instead.
- CCPA / CPRA
California's consumer privacy law, granting rights to know, delete, correct and opt out.
- Data broker
A company that collects personal information about people it has no relationship with, and sells it.
- Suppression
Hiding a record from public view while retaining it internally.