DuckDuckGo Personal Information Removal vs NoDossier

DuckDuckGo Personal Information Removal searches supported data broker and people-search sites for personal details such as names and addresses, then sends requests to remove them. Its listed coverage includes Spokeo, TruePeopleSearch and FastPeopleSearch, among 49 sites. The service periodically rescans sites and handles broker confirmation emails to help catch information that returns. DuckDuckGo says setup information and removal requests are handled on the subscriber’s device, and confirmation emails are deleted within 72 hours. After setup, scans and removals run in the background. The service is limited to U.S. residents, one person per subscription and one device. It works through DuckDuckGo’s Windows or Mac desktop browser and its iOS browser; iOS users need Background App Refresh enabled for effective operation. It cannot remove information from sources including social media, government databases, public records, news articles or image databases. Requests may fail, processing can take up to six weeks, and information may reappear. Plus costs $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year; Pro costs $19.99 a month or $199.99 a year. A free trial is available; there is no free plan.

NoDossier helps people in the UK identify data brokers and prepare personal-data erasure requests. Its browser-based request builder and tracker do not send names, addresses, or phone numbers to a server, and they use no analytics, advertising pixels, or cookies. The public register contains 25 broker entries across six markets, with 24 routes checked and one awaiting human verification. Request wording reflects the broker’s legal basis, including legitimate-interest objections and requests involving consent or direct marketing. The tracker calculates the one-month response deadline and moves it to the next working day when necessary. If a broker misses the deadline, it can prepare an Information Commissioner’s Office complaint. The site says its database has no identity-document field, so users send requested proof directly to brokers. The free DIY plan costs nothing, is free forever rather than a trial, and requires no account. A paid “We do it for you” tier is not on sale. NoDossier does not guarantee erasure and is not a law firm or legal adviser.