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well...there's good news and there's bad news.
the good news is that for reputable websites out there, deleting your account and /or profile from them is usually straightforward. For each site, in your account settings, there should be a place to deactivate / delete account. For Google this is in your Profile settings. They offer a Delete Profile option.
I don't use all the services you listed, so I'm not sure on the particulars for each of them. However, a search of their site / FAQs would probably yield you some fruitful information.
Now...here's the bad news.
Let's assume for the moment that the company really does honor your request and delete the account (I won't even go into the whole "How do I really know" as we really don't). These accounts can still show up on cached / archived pages around the internet for years. Over time these will migrate towards the back pages of a Google search (page 20+), but they'll still be there. And that, unfortunately, is something you cannot control.
Leo (via [url=http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_remove_myself_from_the_search_engines.html:u7j0iso3]ask-leo.com[/url:u7j0iso3]) points out that the only true way to keep information off the public web is not to put it in the cloud at all. And there is truth to that.
Thank you for your prompt response , I was mostly aware of the good news thanks Ziggie , and the bad news well isn't there always ?
I will search out the areas you have mentioned and report back with any tangible results , and as far as not putting any information on the Web [Leo please take note!] I am not aware of any Computer user at any level not providing some information for some reason within the first 5mins.
of use ie: just using a Web Browser or a Web based email server requires some personal info straight off ! Thanks once again "I WILL RETURN".
I remain yours, "Smallships'
You are quite right Smallships. Keeping private details off the web is nigh on an impossibility. Your example is a very good one...merely setting up an account with your ISP, so you can actually use the net, involves giving up as much (if not more) information as anything else. I can go to my ISP's site and read all about myself....albeit after entering a username and password.
It also amuses me no end how people worry about certain sites/online services and installed applications collecting statistics and/or some personal info. They seem to forget how often, just performing everyday activities, we divulge so much more of our personal details; opening a bank account, buying a motor vehicle, any product warranty, opening a new telephone account, etc. etc. Where do they think all that information is stored? It may not be available via the web in all cases...but it is, invariably, retained on a network of computers and who knows just who has access to all [i:a4cive4j]those[/i:a4cive4j] data bases???
cheers mate....JIM
and the one small thing to take comfort in -- we as individuals are not that interesting to corporations. they're only interested in the aggregate data found by throwing millions of users in one big query.
I agree that it's nigh on impossible to prevent information from being on the web, but there is some control.
I have a Facebook account, Twitter account, (~gulp~), yes even Myspace account --
Twitter is linked to my online name. Myspace and Facebook are personal, and have no ties to my online name. I control what information goes into them.
I've done the search, using my online name there is no way to get information as to: income level, social security number (national ID), credit card info, number of cars i own, whether i rent or own, where I live (outside of the generic area), etc. At least, not without serious effort that 99% of the population wouldn't feel the need to put in. as for the other 1%, if they are that determined, then burying things deeper won't stop them, only slow them down a bit.
Anyway--Leo's larger point is that you should assume everything you post to a social network is going to be broadcast to the world. Account setup information for banks and email should (keyword) be more secured.
--zig
Yep...another keyword (well, two words actually), 'Common Sense'!! Unfortunately, a commodity which can often be in short supply. No-one ever gets my bank card details over the net. I have given it out just once, to 'Paypal' who have a stellar reputation for security. If an online company does not accept any form of payment other than directly from my bank card they do not get my business....it's as simple as that.
I don't mind web sites, online services, etc. collecting some data from me because, in short, there is no critical personal data stored on my machine plus I have absolutely nothing to hide. What information one gives up willingly is completely under [i:11nyp08u]their[/i:11nyp08u] control....their decision entirely. I do not have accounts with any of the social network site, neither do I frequent them.... there have been times, however, when I would have liked a free product but the amount of personal information required for the necessary registration process has gone way beyond what I consider to be the norm....I just do without.
cheers now...JIM
[quote="ozbloke":3h4f04fs]I just do without.
[/quote:3h4f04fs]
or do what I'm sure many people have done:
Mr John Smith
123 Mainstreet
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
967-867-5309
emailaddress@microsoft.com
Jim Hillier
Richard Pedersen
David Hartsock
Carol Bratt
dandl
Jason Shuffield
Jim Canfield
Terry Hollett
Stuart Berg
John Durso
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