Why is it so hard to delete accounts you don’t want?
(And how to fix that)
You only realize how tough it is to delete unwanted accounts when you actually try to close them all.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: removing accounts shouldn’t be hard. Once you delete an account, it should actually be deleted. Once you unsubscribe, you shouldn’t get messages anymore. But marketers are tricky beasts (we see you and love some of you, but we know your games), and the world of big data is getting increasingly more powerful.
Here’re a few reasons why it’s so freaking hard to delete accounts you don’t want.
The industry lacks standards
No standards in tech? How could that be? We know, we know, but here’s the thing. There have been laws and regulations passed (CAN-SPAM act! GDPR. Heck yes!), but there isn’t a clear standard or requirement when it comes to account deletion.
Google Play requires that users have an “in-app path to delete their app accounts and associated data; and a web link resources where users can request app account deletion and associated deletion data.”
Apple only required apps to include account deletion info in 2022.
But what about unregulated websites? That’s where it gets trickier. There are no regulations in the United States that require a website to have account deletion instructions. That’s why we’re so excited to announce the launch of Delete Desk, the largest online deletion directory in existence.
They want to make it hard (and keep selling your data)
Okay, this might sound very tin-foil hat and all, but hear us out. When you give out your email address, you often give a company the ability to sell that information. That clause doesn’t limit the amount of time they have to sell your data, so the longer they keep your information, the more money they can make off of you. If you follow this logic, it’s easy to see why a company would want to make it hard.
In addition to making money, having your information looks better for the company statistically. They can then include you as a number when they present to stakeholders or investors. You become a statistic to, yes, help them earn more money.
If it sounds like it’s all about money, you’re right. For many companies, it’s all about money.
That’s why we chose to incorporate as a Public Benefit Corporation. This is a long way of saying we’re required to protect your interests above our profit.
Technical issues
Not all websites are greedy data hoarders. Some might not have the capabilities to organize or update your data. They accept data but have no real way to store, track, or delete it. For many smaller websites, your info might just be stored in an Excel spreadsheet somewhere, so they don’t have a robust system that allows you to request or automate your account deletion. That’s why you might find it really hard to get deletion instructions for smaller sites.
Can’t find deletion instructions?
Check out Delete Desk–it’s the most comprehensive deletion database in existence. It’s going to be your best shot at finding deletion instructions and, because it’s constantly updated thanks to community input, you can count on the information being accurate and up to date (even if a company creates new web links or deletes old ones.)
What should you do if you can't delete an account?
Change your info
Replace your data with fake info, press save, and forget about it.
Review and adjust your privacy settings on the platform to limit the information shared with others and the platform itself. If it’s linked to your Google, Facebook or any other account, delete the connections.
Unsubscribe from emails
If you can’t have the website delete your data, you can at least opt-out of marketing emails to reduce further data collection or processing.
Reach out
If the company has a phone number, give them a ring. Ask about their data deletion policy or express your data privacy concerns. They might get enough complaints that they do something about it.
File a complaint
If the company is ignoring your requests you can file a complaint to, e.g., the ICO.
Want to get more insights into common data privacy practices? Check out Delete Desk or sign up for Yorba to learn more.
