Show HN: Auto-identity-remove – Automated data broker opt-out runner for macOS
1–10 of 147 posts
Re: Show HN: Auto-identity-remove – Automated data broker opt-out runner for macOS
#2I got tired spam calls and text, so I built a script that automates the opt-out process across 500+ data brokers on a monthly schedule.
Where I need help: The heuristic approach misses a lot. Many of the generic sites have unique flows the four generic strategies don't catch. I'm looking for people who want to:
- Verify which generic sites are actually succeeding vs. silently failing - Add explicit broker definitions for high-value sites that are currently on the generic path - Test on non-macOS (launchd scheduling is macOS-only; cron fallback would help Linux/Windows users) - Handle email verification flows (script submits the form but can't click confirmation links in your inbox) Repo: https://github.com/stephenlthorn/auto-identity-remove No personal data in the repo — setup script prompts for your info locally and keeps it gitignored.
Re: Show HN: Auto-identity-remove – Automated data broker opt-out runner for macOS
#3cool idea, happy to try it out
> Searches each data broker site for your name + state
Is this US only or would it also work for international profiles (and if so what would be the "state" equivalent)?
Re: Show HN: Auto-identity-remove – Automated data broker opt-out runner for macOS
#4I got tired of spammers having my information, so I built a tool that submits an up-to-date copy of my information to over 500 websites. Surely this will help.
Jokes aside, I unironically suspect the purpose of many opt-out forms is merely to record the up-to-date information.
Re: Show HN: Auto-identity-remove – Automated data broker opt-out runner for macOS
#5> Name, city, state, ZIP, email, phone
Does this work for anyone outside the US as well? e.g. Will it work for an Australian?
Re: Show HN: Auto-identity-remove – Automated data broker opt-out runner for macOS
#6Nice ! Is it a command line tool ? What info does it need to operate ?
Re: Show HN: Auto-identity-remove – Automated data broker opt-out runner for macOS
#7Nice ! Is it a command line tool ? What info does it need to operate ?
Its literally in the README front and center.
Requirements
macOS (uses launchd for scheduling and Messages for iMessage)
Node.js 18+
Playwright browsers installed
Re: Show HN: Auto-identity-remove – Automated data broker opt-out runner for macOS
#8I got tired of spammers having my information, so I built a tool that submits an up-to-date copy of my information to over 500 websites. Surely this will help. Jokes aside, I unironically suspect the purpose of many opt-out forms is merely to record the up-to-date information.
How many of the forms have captchas etc?
How many require you to make an account or confirm your email address/phone?
Re: Show HN: Auto-identity-remove – Automated data broker opt-out runner for macOS
#9Interesting. Have you been using it a while and is it working to reduce spam?
Re: Show HN: Auto-identity-remove – Automated data broker opt-out runner for macOS
#10I got tired of spammers having my information, so I built a tool that submits an up-to-date copy of my information to over 500 websites. Surely this will help. Jokes aside, I unironically suspect the purpose of many opt-out forms is merely to record the up-to-date information.
Agreed. Any time I click an “Unsubscribe” link in an email, that takes me to a site where I have to provide my email or indeed, do anything more than click “confirm,” I leave. I assume it either resets some kind of consent trigger or sells my data to a new third-party vendor. The assumption of bad faith is now baked into my interaction with almost every corporate entity.