One-click cleanup: This free app deletes your digital history

Asking all the companies you interact with to protect your data sounds like a never-ending game of Whac-A-Mole. Who has that kind of time or energy? Thankfully, a new app will do it for ya. 

The Permission Slip app was created by Consumer Reports (so you know it’s good!). It contacts companies on your behalf to ensure your personal info isn’t sold to third parties, aka anyone willing to pay for it. They can even get your data erased for you.

The icing on the cake? It’s free to download and use. 

Permission granted

To try the app for yourself, follow these steps:

• Download the app for iPhone or Android. Quick tip: The Permission Slip website has a QR code that takes you to the download.
• Sign into the app with your email address, Apple ID or Google account.
• Choose your state from the dropdown menu.
• You’ll be presented with several “cards” listing major company names. Swipe through Tinder-style and skip if you’ve never interacted with them. If you have, click the Learn More & Take Action button.

You’ll then see a screen that lists company information and what kind of data it collects.

Forget me, please

If you have an account with that company, you can submit a “Do Not Sell My Data” request. You can also tap Delete My Account. Once the submission is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation message. 

The first time you submit a request, you must enter your mobile number, home address and primary email address. This info is encrypted and protected by Permission Slip. You must also review and electronically sign Permission Slip’s user agreement.

What’s next? 

• Click the Turn On Notifications button to get real-time updates on your request.
• Click the Requests button at the bottom to view a list of your current requests.
• Click the Auto button at the bottom right to try Permission Slip’s Auto Requests feature. It automatically targets data brokers who sell and trade your data for profit. 

❤️ I bet you’re as amazed as I am with this free way to protect your privacy. Share this article and let your circle in on this must-have app. They’ll thank you for it!