Digital Downsizing – Delete Your Account

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In times of social media platform mass exodus, “delete your account” is both a stinging castigation, and good internet practice.

Almost any website where you have made an account or where you generate content, you have the right to:

Delete your account(s)
Know your privacy rights
Request a copy of the information social media platforms have on you
Update this information

I use the internet and believe it’s important for consumers to be generally familiar with the rights available to them. I am not an expert in privacy or international regulation. Research global consumer privacy legislation like CCPA/GDPR/PIPL/LPGD on your own for more information on these protections.

With that disclaimer out of the way, here is a layman’s overview on what these rights can mean, as well as links to Privacy Policies and self-service deletion tools in any platforms you may wish to prune.

Delete Your Account
When it’s gone, it’s gone. Nuke your account, its data, its footprint. Some platforms allow you to deactivate/hide your account for 30/60/90 days before the automatic, “true” deletion takes place. Check the individual platform’s Privacy Notice/Choices for exceptions and what data is actually erased.

Update Your Information
When you agree to a Terms of Service for most websites or platforms, you agree to give something to get something (usually, “Services”). Some of what you agree to give can include personal information about yourself, such as your name, age, date of birth, email address, etc. You have the right to update that information.

Access Your Information
You have the right to access the information a company has of you, and to know what they’re doing with it.

The Least You Need To Know
In your favorite search engine, look up [company Privacy Policy / Privacy Settings / Privacy Notice].

Most people’s eyes glaze over when you start talking legalese about digital footprints. We should strive to be responsible digital citizens. One way to do this is to be familiar with the posted notices and terms adhered to by the platforms on which you make content or spend your time.

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Twitter

Rather than deliver your data solely in spreadsheets, they provide an HTML interface. It makes navigating your past tweets, media, DMs, etc much more user-friendly.

Hive Social

Per their Help Center, Hive Social wants you to email their support team to delete your account. Do so at support@hivesocial.app. You’ll need to verify your account.

(Mobile) Settings -> Security -> Deactivate
How can you contact us about this notice?
Privacy Policy

Bluesky Social

Bluesky doesn’t seem to have self-service data requests or deletion. You’ll have to email their support team at: support@bsky.app

Darlene ChaniMaya Postma