Problem guide · Last reviewed 12 October 2026
People-search sites
People-search and “background check” sites collect addresses, phone numbers, ages and relatives into listings. Most have an opt-out page you can use yourself. It’s tedious, and listings can come back, so it’s worth keeping a record. Google also has a form to ask it to remove your contact details from search.
The short version
Opt out of each site, then ask Google to drop your contact details. Each site decides its listing. Google decides contact details in search. The free check gives you the plan for your situation and your country, with a letter you can edit.
Start this plan About two minutes · Free · Nothing you type is sent to us
Who decides
Each site decides its own listing. Google decides whether your phone, email or home address show in search.
Time
About 10 minutes per site. Listings can take up to 30 days to go, and some come back, so check again later.
Use a separate email address for opt-outs if you can. Never pay a site to remove your own listing.
The plan, in outline
List every site you’ve found
Search your name with your suburb or city. The same listing often appears on several sites owned by one company.
- The link to each listing
- A screenshot of each one
- What each one shows
Use each site’s opt-out page
Look for “opt out”, “remove my information”, “privacy” or “do not sell” at the bottom of the site. Some ask you to confirm by email. They shouldn’t need your ID.
If there’s no opt-out, send a removal request
Ask Google to remove your contact details
Google will consider removing results that show your home address, phone number or email, even if the site keeps the listing. Where it’s available, “Results about you” can also watch for new ones.
Google: remove contact details and personal info (opens in a new tab)Google “Results about you” (opens in a new tab)
Check again in 30 days
Listings often come back when sites refresh their data. Search again and repeat the opt-out if you need to.
If the answer is no
- Businesses that trade in personal information are generally covered by the Privacy Act, whatever their size. If a site doesn’t deal with your request within 30 days, you can complain to the OAIC. OAIC: make a privacy complaint (opens in a new tab)
- If Google turns down your contact-details request, you can resubmit with clearer screenshots showing the details.
Official links last checked 12 October 2026.