Understanding Cyber Background Checks
How to Delete Your Names and Personal Data from Cyber Background Checks: Cyber background checks, also known as online background checks, are a means of gathering information about an individual’s personal, professional, and financial history using online databases, public records, and other sources of information.
These checks can reveal a wide range of information, including criminal records, employment history, credit history, and more.
While these checks can be useful for making informed decisions, individuals may have valid reasons for wanting to remove their personal information from such checks.
Reasons to Delete Your Names and Personal Data from Cyber Background Checks
There are several reasons why individuals may seek to remove their name and details from cyber background checks. These reasons may include:
Privacy Concerns: In an era of increasing digital surveillance and data breaches, many individuals are concerned about their privacy and the security of their personal information. Removing one’s name and details from cyber background checks can be a way to regain a sense of privacy and control over personal data.
Inaccurate Information: Individuals may find that the information revealed in cyber background checks is inaccurate or outdated. This can have negative implications for their professional and personal lives, and they may seek to rectify this by removing or updating their information.
Employment and Housing: Some individuals may find that their employment or housing opportunities are being affected by the information revealed in cyber background checks. In such cases, they may seek to remove or mitigate the impact of certain details.
How to Delete Your Names and Personal Data from Cyber Background Checks
If you want to remove your personal information from Cyber Background Checks, you can follow this quick guide to opt out in a few minutes.
However, it is important to note that the guide provided is applicable to California residents to delete their data under the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA).
The opt-out process under the CCPA involves the following steps:
- Visit the Cyber Background Checks opt-out page at https://www.cyberbackgroundchecks.com/ccparemoval and fill in your details.
- Check your email and click on the confirmation link sent to you.
- Enter your personal data. You will be asked to solve a CAPTCHA puzzle. Submit.
- Your request is then submitted.
Following the submission of your request for removal from Cyber Background Checks’ platform via the opt-out page, you will receive a confirmation link in your mailbox.
It is essential to click on this link as it serves as verification and completes the opt-out process.
Read post: Cyber Background Checks: Laws, Regulations and Compliance
Timeframe for Opting Out
Submitting an opt-out request to Cyber Background Checks typically takes 15 minutes or less.
While your personal data should be deleted within 12-24 hours of the request, the process can extend to 72 hours or more according to some experiences.
Repeat Opt-Out Process
Opting out does not guarantee permanent removal of your data in future. Similar to many data brokers, Cyber Background Checks could reacquire your information after you have initially deleted it.
This underscores the importance of continually monitoring and safeguarding your personal data online.
You may find it necessary to periodically repeat the opt-out process to ensure your information remains private.
Staying vigilant and proactive in managing your online presence is essential in the fight against unauthorised data collection and usage, highlighting the persistent effort required to protect personal data.
Read article: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016: Legal Analysis and Commentaries
Additional Steps for Protecting Personal Data Online
In addition to opting out of data brokers like Cyber Background Checks, there are several proactive steps individuals can take to protect their personal data online:
Removing Personal Information from Social Networks: Erasing or adjusting privacy settings on social media can help eliminate personal details vulnerable to third-party use.
Deactivating Dormant Online Profiles: Inactive accounts can inadvertently expose sensitive information, as they may still be accessible by companies conducting background checks. Shutting down these accounts can prevent such exposure.
Increasing Data Collection Transparency: For companies like Cyber Background Checks, offering clear insight into their data collection practices is crucial for rebuilding user trust. Ensuring informed consent before data gathering can address worries over unauthorised access to personal information.
Direct Engagement with Data Brokers: Individuals aiming for more influence over their online presence can directly contact data brokers to request the deletion of their personal data from these entities’ systems. This hands-on method offers individuals greater command in managing their digital footprint.
References
- Castillo-Carniglia, Alvaro, et al. “Comprehensive background check policy and firearm background checks in three US states.” Injury Prevention 24.6 (2018): 431-436.
- Juristopedia. “Cyberstalking: Legal Definition, Psychological Impact and Taking Action“
- Levashina, Julia, Jessica A. Peck, and Linda Ficht. “Don’t select until you check: expected background checking practices.” Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal 29 (2017): 127-148.
