In 2025, your personal data is currency. From your shopping habits and search history to your address and phone number, companies are collecting, storing, and sometimes selling your information—often without you even realizing it.
But here’s the good news: you have the right to ask companies to delete your data. And in many cases, they are legally required to comply.
This guide walks you through the process of requesting data deletion under U.S. privacy laws, explains who qualifies, and gives you free templates you can use today to exercise your digital rights.
Why Request Data Deletion?
As companies build vast databases of consumer information, the risk of data breaches, identity theft, and unauthorized use increases. Deleting your personal data helps:
- Regain control of your digital identity
- Reduce unwanted marketing and robocalls
- Limit your exposure to future breaches
- Exercise your legal rights under privacy laws
Who Has the Right to Request Deletion?
Several U.S. states have passed privacy laws that give consumers the right to request data deletion, including:
- California (CPRA)
- Colorado (CPA)
- Connecticut (CTDPA)
- Utah (UCPA)
- Virginia (VCDPA)
To qualify, you usually need to:
- Be a resident of the applicable state
- Submit the request via the company’s official privacy channels
- Verify your identity
What Types of Data Can Be Deleted?
You can typically request deletion of:
- Name, email, phone number
- Purchase and browsing history
- Geolocation data
- Device or IP information
- Biometric and health data (if applicable)
Exceptions:
Companies may keep your data if it’s required for:
- Legal compliance
- Fraud prevention
- Internal operations (e.g., accounting, audits)
- Contract fulfillment (e.g., pending orders)
How to Request Data Deletion: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Find the Company’s Privacy Policy
Scroll to the footer of the company’s website. Look for links labeled:
- “Privacy Policy”
- “Your Privacy Choices”
- “Do Not Sell or Share My Info”
This page usually includes instructions or contact details for submitting your request.
Step 2: Locate Their Contact Method
You’ll often find one or more of these:
- Web form
- Email address (e.g., privacy@company.com)
- Postal mail
- Toll-free number
Step 3: Write Your Request Using a Template
See below for easy copy-paste email templates.
Step 4: Verify Your Identity
Many companies will respond by asking for verification, such as:
- A code sent to your email
- Answers to account questions
- Uploaded ID (optional)
Step 5: Wait for a Response
Under U.S. privacy laws, companies must:
- Acknowledge your request within 10 business days
- Fulfill it within 45 days (may extend to 90 days in complex cases)
Free Opt-Out & Data Deletion Request Email Templates (2025)
Template 1: Basic Data Deletion Request (General Use)
Subject: Request for Personal Data Deletion Under Applicable Privacy Law
Dear [Company Name] Privacy Team,
I am writing to formally request the deletion of all personal data associated with me in accordance with applicable privacy laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CPRA) and other relevant state regulations.
Please delete all information associated with the following:
- Full Name: [Your Name]
- Email: [Your Email Address]
- Phone: [Your Phone Number] (if applicable)
- Address: [Your Address] (optional)
Please confirm once the deletion is complete or let me know if further verification is needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[State of Residence]
Template 2: Request to Opt Out of Sale or Sharing of Data
Subject: Opt-Out Request – Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Data
Hello,
As a resident of [Your State], I am exercising my right under [CPRA / CPA / CTDPA / other] to opt out of the sale and/or sharing of my personal data. Please add my information to your do not sell or share list and confirm once processed.
Relevant details:
- Name: [Your Name]
- Email: [Your Email Address]
- Phone: [Optional]
Please let me know if additional steps are required.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Template 3: Deletion Request to Data Brokers (Multiple Records)
Subject: Consumer Request for Data Deletion – [Your Full Name]
To whom it may concern,
As allowed under state consumer privacy laws, I am requesting that you delete all personal data you have collected about me and refrain from reselling or redistributing that information. This includes any data collected through third-party sources.
Please delete any records containing:
- Name: [Your Full Name]
- Email: [Email Address]
- Any other identifying information: [Optional]
I do not consent to the sale or retention of my data. Kindly confirm once the request is fulfilled.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City, State]
Top Data Broker Sites to Opt Out Of in 2025
| Data Broker | Opt-Out Link |
|---|---|
| Spokeo | https://www.spokeo.com/opt_out |
| Whitepages | https://www.whitepages.com/suppression |
| BeenVerified | https://www.beenverified.com/app/optout |
| PeopleFinders | https://www.peoplefinders.com/manage |
| Intelius | https://www.intelius.com/opt-out |
| Radaris | https://radaris.com/control/privacy |
You can also use aggregate tools like https://optout.privacyrights.org to send requests to dozens of brokers at once.
Bar Chart: Most Common Types of Personal Data Consumers Request Deleted (2024)
| Data Type | % of Requests |
|---|---|
| Email and Contact Info | 32% |
| Browsing History | 22% |
| Geolocation Data | 18% |
| Purchase History | 14% |
| Biometric/Health Data | 8% |
| Other | 6% |
This shows how consumers are increasingly focusing on removing the most vulnerable and valuable data first.
FAQs About Data Deletion Requests
Q: Can I request deletion if I don’t live in California or a privacy law state?
You can try, but companies may legally deny the request unless your state requires it.
Q: Do I have to provide ID to verify my request?
Sometimes. Most companies just ask for email confirmation, but some may request more depending on sensitivity.
Q: Will deleting my data delete my account?
Yes. Deleting your data often means losing access to your account, purchase history, or loyalty points.
Q: What if they don’t respond?
File a complaint with your state attorney general or the FTC via https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Final Thoughts
In the age of data surveillance and third-party tracking, asking companies to delete your data is one of the most powerful tools you have. Whether you’re concerned about privacy, targeted ads, or just want to reduce your digital footprint, these opt-out rights put you in control.
Use the templates, take action today, and start cleaning up your data trail—because your privacy should belong to you, not corporations.
Hashtags:
#DataPrivacy #OptOut2025 #DeleteMyData #ConsumerRights #Elvicom
Website: https://elvicom.com