🥷 The Complete Guide to Disappearing Online

Before you start deleting anything, you need to understand your current digital footprint and prepare for the transition.

• 1

  Document Your Digital Presence

  Create a comprehensive list of all your online accounts, services, and platforms.

  Account Inventory Checklist:

  Social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok)

  Email accounts (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, work email)

  Shopping accounts (Amazon, eBay, Etsy, local stores)

  Financial accounts (banks, PayPal, Venmo, crypto exchanges)

  Entertainment (Netflix, Spotify, gaming accounts)

  Professional accounts (GitHub, Stack Overflow, portfolio sites)

  🛠️ Recommended Tool:

  JustDeleteMe - Directory of direct links to delete your account from web services

  Visit JustDeleteMe →
• 2

  Backup Important Data

  Before deleting accounts, save any data, photos, or information you want to keep.

  PRO TIP: Use an encrypted external drive or secure cloud storage for backups. Never use your real name for cloud accounts.

  • Download your Facebook data archive
  • Export Google Takeout for all Google services
  • Save important photos from Instagram
  • Export contacts from all platforms
  • Download transaction histories
• 3

  Create Transition Accounts

  Set up temporary anonymous accounts for services you can't immediately quit.

  ⚠️ WARNING: Never use your real name, birthday, or any identifying information for these accounts.

  Anonymous account basics:

  • Use a VPN when creating accounts
  • Generate random names with fake name generators
  • Use temporary email services or ProtonMail
  • Never use real phone numbers (use VOIP services)
  • Use unique, strong passwords for each account

Now comes the systematic deletion of your online presence. Work through this methodically.

• 1

  Remove Yourself from Data Brokers

  Data brokers collect and sell your personal information. Remove yourself from major brokers first.

  🛠️ Recommended Services:

  DeleteMe - Automated data broker removal ($129/year)

  OneRep - Removes from 106+ sites ($8.33/month)

  Manual Opt-Out - Free but time-consuming

  Major data brokers to opt out from:

  • Spokeo
  • Whitepages
  • BeenVerified
  • Intelius
  • MyLife
  • PeopleFinder
  • TruthFinder
  • InstantCheckmate
• 2

  Delete Social Media Accounts

  Remove your presence from all social media platforms systematically.

  ⚠️ CRITICAL: Deactivating is not deleting! Make sure to permanently delete accounts.

  Deletion order (most impactful first):

  1. Facebook: Settings > Your Facebook Information > Delete Account
  2. Instagram: Delete through web browser (not app)
  3. Twitter/X: Settings > Deactivate Account > Wait 30 days
  4. LinkedIn: Settings & Privacy > Account Management > Close Account
  5. TikTok: Settings > Manage Account > Delete Account
  6. Snapchat: accounts.snapchat.com > Delete Account
• 3

  Clean Up Search Results

  Request removal of your information from search engines.

  Google removal process:

  1. Search your name in Google
  2. For each result, click the three dots > "Remove result"
  3. Use Google's removal tool for sensitive information
  4. Submit DMCA takedowns for unauthorized photos

  PRO TIP: Create positive decoy content with a similar (but fake) name to push real results down.
• 4

  Delete Shopping & Service Accounts

  Remove accounts that contain purchase history and personal preferences.

  Priority Deletions:

  Amazon (including Alexa data)

  eBay

  Food delivery apps

  Ride-sharing apps

  Dating apps

  Fitness trackers

• 1

  Operating System Security

  🛠️ Recommended OS:

  Tails (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) - Leaves no traces

  Qubes OS - Maximum security through isolation

  Linux (Ubuntu/Fedora) - Good privacy-focused alternative

  If staying on Windows/Mac:

  • Enable full disk encryption (BitLocker/FileVault)
  • Disable telemetry and tracking
  • Use local accounts only
  • Disable Cortana/Siri completely
• 2

  Mobile Device Hardening

  ⚠️ CRITICAL: Your phone is your biggest privacy leak. Consider a burner phone for true anonymity.

  Android privacy setup:

  • Install GrapheneOS or LineageOS (no Google)
  • Use F-Droid instead of Play Store
  • Disable all Google services
  • Use AFWall+ for firewall control

  iPhone privacy setup:

  • Disable Siri and dictation
  • Turn off all location services
  • Disable ad tracking
  • Use Lockdown Mode

• 1

  Secure Internet Access

  🛠️ Required Tools:

  Tor Browser - Anonymous browsing (free)

  VPN + Tor - Double protection

  Public WiFi - Never use home internet

  VPN selection criteria:

  • No-logs policy (audited)
  • Accepts crypto payments
  • Based outside 14-eyes countries
  • Kill switch mandatory
  • Recommended: Mullvad, IVPN
• 2

  Anonymous Email & Messaging

  Email services:

  • ProtonMail: Encrypted, accepts crypto
  • Tutanota: Full encryption, anonymous signup
  • TorBox: Tor-only email service

  Messaging apps:

  • Signal: With VoIP number only
  • Session: No phone number required
  • Briar: Mesh networking, ultra-secure

• 1

  Anonymous Payment Methods

  Options for private transactions:

  • Cash: Still the most anonymous
  • Prepaid cards: Buy with cash, use fake info
  • Cryptocurrency: Monero for true privacy
  • Privacy.com: Virtual cards for online use

  ⚠️ WARNING: Bitcoin is NOT anonymous. Use privacy coins like Monero or Zcash.
• 2

  Cryptocurrency Best Practices

  Setting up anonymous crypto:

  1. Buy crypto with cash (Bitcoin ATMs, LocalMonero)
  2. Use Tor for all crypto activities
  3. Never use exchanges requiring KYC
  4. Use mixing services or atomic swaps
  5. Store in cold wallets only

Disappearing online is not a one-time event. It requires constant vigilance and operational security.

• 1

  Daily OPSEC Rules

  Essential habits:

  Always use VPN + Tor

  Never use real name online

  Rotate anonymous identities

  Avoid patterns in behavior

  Use different devices for different identities

  Never mix anonymous and real identities
• 2

  Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Location leaks: EXIF data, background details in photos
  • Writing style: Your writing patterns are identifiable
  • Time zone reveals: Posting times can reveal location
  • Social engineering: Don't trust anyone online
  • Browser fingerprinting: Use Tor Browser's default settings
• 3

  Emergency Protocols

  🚨 If Compromised:

  1. Immediately cease all online activity
  2. Destroy any compromised devices
  3. Relocate if necessary
  4. Start fresh with new identity
  5. Never return to old patterns