Deleting old online accounts can help protect your privacy, but many companies make it difficult. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating the process, plus insights from common challenges encountered with specific brands.
Why Deleting Accounts Matters
- Protect Your Privacy: Old accounts can store sensitive information that is at risk in data breaches.
- Reduce Data Monetization: Companies often profit from storing and using your data.
- Simplify Your Digital Footprint: Fewer accounts mean fewer places your personal information resides.
Challenges When Deleting Accounts
- Hidden Options: Companies often bury account deletion settings in hard-to-find menus.
- Long Waiting Periods: Some services delay the deletion process for weeks.
- Limited Data Deletion: Deactivating an account may not remove your data.
- Customer Service Loops: Deletion often requires lengthy calls or chats with agents who may try to retain your business.
Lessons From Specific Companies
1. Walgreens
- Time to Delete: 16 minutes, 52 seconds.
- Issue: Requires calling customer service; some data like your email address cannot be deleted.
- Tip: Check the online help menu for deletion steps.
2. Instagram
- Time to Delete: 7 minutes, 47 seconds (plus 30-day waiting period).
- Issue: The app doesn’t allow deletion; you must use a web browser.
- Tip: Always check the company’s website if the app doesn’t offer deletion options.
3. Groupon
- Time to Delete: 13 minutes, 14 seconds (plus two-day processing).
- Issue: Deactivating doesn’t erase data; deletion requests must go through the privacy policy portal.
- Tip: Read the privacy policy to locate special deletion links or forms.
4. Pizza Hut
- Time to Delete: 10 minutes, 11 seconds.
- Issue: Account deletion process is unclear and requires contacting customer service.
- Tip: When in doubt, call customer service for assistance.
5. SiriusXM
- Time to Delete: 43 minutes, 37 seconds (but data deletion not possible).
- Issue: Data deletion isn’t offered, and subscription cancellation is overly complex.
- Tip: Cancel subscriptions but know that some companies may not fully delete your data.
Tips for Deleting Old Accounts
Search the Help Menu: Look for “delete account” options or FAQs.
Check Privacy Policies: These often detail how to request account and data deletion.
Use the Website: Some deletion options are only available via desktop browsers.
Contact Customer Service: If all else fails, call or chat with an agent.
Be Persistent: Don’t hesitate to follow up if you don’t receive confirmation of account or data deletion.
Document Your Request: Keep records of emails, chats, or reference numbers.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with privacy laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which mandates data deletion options for California residents.
The Bottom Line
Deleting old accounts can be tedious, but it’s an important step to protect your privacy. Companies may resist or complicate the process, so arm yourself with persistence, a clear understanding of your rights, and these actionable tips.
Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
