How to Opt Out of Data Brokers in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania residents have their personal information scattered across hundreds of data broker databases—name, address, phone number, property records, and more. While the state is still working on comprehensive privacy legislation, there are concrete steps you can take right now to remove your data and protect your privacy.

Why Pennsylvanians Should Be Concerned

Data brokers collect and sell your personal information to anyone willing to pay. In Pennsylvania, public records are especially accessible: property ownership records are published by county assessors, voter registration data is available for purchase, and court records are searchable through the Unified Judicial System's online portal. This makes it easy for brokers like Spokeo, BeenVerified, and WhitePages to build detailed profiles on every PA resident.

The consequences are real—identity theft, targeted scams, stalking, and harassment all become easier when your personal details are a simple Google search away.

Does Pennsylvania Have a Privacy Law?

Not yet, but progress is underway. House Bill 78 (PCDPA) passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on October 1, 2025, by a bipartisan vote of 127-76. If enacted, the Pennsylvania Consumer Data Privacy Act would give residents the right to:

• Access the personal data businesses hold about you
• Delete your personal data
• Opt out of the sale of your personal data
• Opt out of targeted advertising and profiling

The bill would apply to businesses with more than $10 million in annual revenue or those handling data from 50,000 or more consumers. The Attorney General would enforce it with penalties up to $7,500 per violation.

What Protections Exist Today?

Even without a comprehensive privacy law, Pennsylvania residents have some protections:

• Breach of Personal Information Notification Act: Companies must notify you if your personal data is compromised in a breach
• Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law: Protects against deceptive business practices, including some data-related abuses
• Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection: Accepts complaints and investigates privacy-related violations

Step 1: Find Where Your Information Is Listed

Search for yourself on Google using your full name plus "Pennsylvania" or your city and zip code. Check these common data broker sites that frequently list PA residents:

• TruePeopleSearch
• Spokeo
• BeenVerified
• WhitePages
• PeopleFinders
• FastPeopleSearch
• Radaris
• Nuwber
• Intelius
• MyLife

Make a list of every site where your information appears. Pay special attention to your home address, phone number, and family members' names.

Step 2: Submit Opt-Out Requests

For each data broker site, follow their removal process:

1. Find the "Privacy Policy" or "Do Not Sell My Info" link, usually in the site footer
2. Locate the opt-out form or removal request page
3. Enter your identifying information (name, address, email)
4. Verify your request through the confirmation email they send
5. Document every submission with screenshots and dates
6. Re-check in 7–30 days to confirm removal

Step 3: Lock Down Pennsylvania Public Records

Much of the data brokers collect about PA residents comes from public records. While you cannot remove yourself entirely, you can limit exposure:

• Voter registration: Pennsylvania law allows certain individuals (law enforcement, judges, domestic violence survivors) to request address confidentiality. Contact your county Board of Elections for options.
• Property records: These are public through county assessors' offices. Consider using an LLC or trust for property ownership to keep your name off public deeds.
• Court records: The PA Unified Judicial System publishes records online. You can petition to seal certain records where legally permitted.
• Professional licenses: PA publishes professional license databases. Contact the licensing board to request that your home address be removed from public listings.

Step 4: File Complaints When Brokers Don't Comply

If a data broker ignores your opt-out request, you have options:

• File a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555
• Submit an online complaint at the AG's website
• Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov for federal-level complaints

The Easier Way: Let PrivacyOn Handle It

Manually opting out of 100+ data brokers is a time-consuming process that never truly ends. PrivacyOn automates the entire cycle for Pennsylvania residents. We submit removal requests to more than 100 data broker sites, continuously monitor for re-listings, and re-submit opt-outs when your data reappears.

PrivacyOn also provides dark web monitoring to alert you if your personal information surfaces in data breaches or on underground marketplaces—an essential layer of protection given that Pennsylvania does not yet have a comprehensive privacy law to fall back on.

Plans start at just $8.33/month, and family plans cover up to 5 people—ideal for protecting your entire household.

Pennsylvania Privacy Resources

• PA Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection: 800-441-2555
• PA Attorney General Complaint Form: File complaints online at the AG's website
• PA Breach Notification: Report data breaches to the AG's data breach portal
• HB 78 (PCDPA): Track the bill's progress through the PA Legislature

Take Action Now

Pennsylvania may not have a comprehensive privacy law yet, but that does not mean you are powerless. By systematically opting out of data brokers, locking down your public records, and using an automated service like PrivacyOn, you can dramatically reduce your digital exposure. Do not wait for the legislature—start protecting your privacy today.