What is Mozilla Monitor Plus? How Does It Remove Personal Data From Internet?
In this digital world, our information and data roam the internet, utilized by data brokers to target ads. While targeted ads are legal, the potential for threat actors to access private information is a concerning reality. To address this issue, Mozilla has launched a new service called Mozilla Monitor Plus, claiming to search over 190 websites and attempt to remove all personal data from the internet. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
How does your information flow through the internet?
To put things into perspective, we need to understand how information goes around the internet. For instance, if you have Facebook installed on your phone, the app collects various personal data such as names, friends, age groups, and preferences. This data is then sold to data brokers who, in turn, provide it to advertising agencies. These agencies use the information to tailor targeted ads, aiming for better engagement.
While this business model isn’t inherently problematic, threat actors have repeatedly infiltrated these agencies, compromising the personal information of millions of users. Moreover, due to the vast amount of personal data stored by these companies, threat actors have resorted to identity theft, assuming others’ identities to apply for credit cards and loans. As a result, limiting the information these brokers store has become crucial.
How does Mozilla Monitor Plus remove personal data from Internet?
Although users can manually delete their personal information from data brokers by contacting them individually, this process can take months to complete. This is where the Monitor Plus service steps in, as it proactively scans for users’ information across numerous data broker platforms and submits removal requests on their behalf.
Furthermore, Mozilla expedites the process of scrubbing personal data from these websites, enabling users to regain control over their online privacy with minimal effort. Additionally, the company highlights that it will ensure the security of sensitive information throughout the scanning and removal process.
However, it is important to note that while the Monitor Plus service is available for $13.99 per month or $8.99 per month with an annual subscription, the company will continue to provide essential services for free. These include free scans of data broker sites and alerts about data breaches.
