More ways to be less visible
Beyond the people-search sites, a few things make a big difference.
An unlisted number with your operator
Eniro, Hitta and directory services get phone numbers from the operators. Ask your mobile operator for an unlisted number (“hemligt nummer”), so the number isn’t given to directory services. It then disappears at the source and doesn’t come back after you’ve removed yourself.
Remove results from Google and Bing
Even after a site has removed you, old search results can linger for a while.
- Google: remove results with your contact details
- Google: refresh a result that is out of date (needs a Google account)
- Google: EU right-to-be-forgotten request
- Bing: EU removal request
Google also has a “Results about you” tool. There you can follow your requests, and Google can alert you when new results with your address or phone number appear.
Stop marketing and sales calls
- Marketing block in SPAR: stops addressed advertising from companies that buy addresses from the state register.
- NIX and Swedma’s marketing block: stops telemarketing and direct mail.
If you face threats
Protected personal data (skyddade personuppgifter) at the Swedish Tax Agency, meaning a confidentiality marking or protected registration, is the only thing that hides you everywhere. That includes official registers and sites such as Allabolag and Biluppgifter. You apply to Skatteverket and need to show that you are under threat, for example with a statement from the police or social services.
Has your email leaked?
Check whether your email address appears in known data breaches on Have I Been Pwned. If so, change passwords where needed.
Check again in six months
New sites appear and data can come back, for example when you move. In the overview you can add reminders to your calendar.