The people-search site National Public Data (NPD), which faced a massive data breach last year impacting 3 billion individuals, has relaunched under new ownership, sparking fresh privacy concerns. After disappearing from the internet, the site has returned under the banner of Perfect Privacy LLC, a company that sounds protective but is not affiliated with the VPN service of the same name. Despite the new name, the business model has not changed, and the site still allows anyone to look up personal data about friends, relatives, or strangers with just a name.
Despite disclaimers about the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the site does not prevent users from misusing this data when making decisions about employment, housing, or credit. NPD claims its data comes from public records, property ownership databases, social media, and government agencies, but users may still find profiles contain mistakes. A quick test search revealed a mix of outdated and accurate information, with the site struggling with hyphenated names but pulling up correct details in other cases.
If users wish to remove their information from NPD’s site, they can request removal directly. However, each profile requires its own request and confirmation email, and users should check back in a few days to ensure their data is gone. It is also recommended to use an alias or disposable email address for these requests to keep the main inbox clear. For recommendations on secure email providers, users are directed to CyberGuy.com.
Removing information from NPD is only the beginning, as dozens of other people-search sites may still display personal details. Many of these platforms pull from the same public databases, meaning personal information can reappear on multiple sites. The return of NPD highlights how quickly data can resurface online, and data from breaches rarely disappears. To protect privacy, users are advised to search for their names on numerous people-search sites regularly and consider using data removal services that scan multiple databases at once. These services request opt-outs on behalf of users and monitor for new listings, although no service can guarantee complete removal.
Protecting privacy extends beyond deletion. Users are encouraged to monitor their bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts, as criminals can exploit exposed data for phishing attempts, fake loan applications, or identity theft. Using strong antivirus software can help safeguard against malware and phishing emails. For recommendations on the best antivirus protection, users are directed to CyberGuy.com.
Setting up alerts for identity monitoring can also provide early warnings of suspicious activity. Services that monitor personal information like Social Security Numbers (SSN), phone numbers, and email addresses can alert users if their data is being sold on the dark web or used to open accounts. These services can also assist in freezing bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use. For more tips on protecting against identity theft, users are directed to CyberGuy.com.
People-search sites often pull records from government databases, so reviewing local county records for property, court, or voter registration data may reveal opportunities to request redactions or limit what is shown online. Additionally, tightening privacy settings on social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn can reduce the amount of information available for these sites to collect. The return of NPD serves as a reminder that personal information can resurface at any time, and protecting privacy requires more than just an opt-out. Regular checks, credit freezes, and stronger account monitoring are essential steps for reducing risk and staying one step ahead of potential threats.