A notorious data breach site is back online. National Public Data, infamous for exposing millions of Americans’ sensitive personal data, has resurfaced under new ownership and is now operating as a free people search engine. Here’s what you need to know—and how to opt out quickly.
1. The Dark Return of a Notorious Data Broker
- The revamped site is now live after shutting down last December amid lawsuits tied to a breach that exposed 272 million unique SSNs and 600 million phone numbers.
- It claims to be operated by new owners with no ties to the previous entities, though the domain registration points to Perfect Privacy LLC, a Florida-based service that supports anonymous domain ownership.
- Users can now freely search personal details such as addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, criminal records, workplace info, and relatives, all at no cost and without a paywall.
2. Where Does the Data Come From?
- The site says it collects data from public sources—including government records, property databases, social media, and other platforms—and ensures accuracy before publishing.
- Yet, the breadth and depth of details available have alarmed experts and privacy advocates, especially considering its history of leaks and misuse.
3. How to Opt Out and Remove Your Profile
If you want to protect your privacy, here’s a streamlined way to remove your profile:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Search your name on nationalpublicdata.com |
| 2 | Click “View Full Profile” and copy the URL |
| 3 | Visit nationalpublicdata.com/optout.html |
| 4 | Paste the profile URL into the “Your Profile Link” field |
| 5 | Submit a valid email address; you’ll receive an email to confirm |
| 6 | Check your spam folder if you don’t see the email initially |
- Use a temporary or throwaway email for added privacy.
- While the removal seems effective, some users report not receiving confirmation—double-checking spam folders and copying the full URL accurately helps.
4. Protecting Your Data Beyond Opt-Out
Even if you remove your profile, these steps will help shield your identity further:
- Monitor your credit regularly and consider placing a credit freeze or fraud alert.
- Use identity theft protection services to scan for unauthorized exposure.
- Regularly tailor privacy settings and removal requests across other people-search sites.
- Stay alert for phishing, smishing, and suspicious outreach that misuse your exposed data.
The return of National Public Data marks a concerning twist in the saga of privacy and data rights.
While its new branding as a harmless “people search engine” may camouflage deeper risks, the volume and scope of personal information it delivers—without monetization or paywalls—pose serious threats.
Fortunately, the opt-out process works, and swift action can reduce your digital exposure. But true protection will require layered safeguards: freezing credit, using identity monitoring, and staying vigilant across all platforms that host your personal data.
FAQs
Is National Public Data the same site that leaked millions of SSNs?
Yes and no. It now operates under new ownership with no declared affiliation to the former group—but it uses the same name, hosting, and domain infrastructure.
Can I remove my data easily?
Yes. The site offers a direct opt-out form. Many report immediate removal once the process is complete and confirmed.
Should I worry if I removed my profile?
Yes. Even if removed here, your data might still appear in other databases. Additional credit and privacy protections are highly recommended.