I tried to wipe my digital footprint without paying for a data removal service - 5 free ways

ZDNET provides a practical guide explaining how data brokers legally collect and aggregate personal information and outlines free and paid methods for individuals to identify and remove their data (including opt-out lists, state registries like California's DROP, services such as DeleteMe/PrivacyBee/Permission Slip, and search-engine removal tools). The article also offers ongoing protective measures—privacy-minded browsing, closing old accounts, using VPNs and tracker-blocking tools—and recommends tracking opt-out requests to manage the fragmented deletion process.