After more than a year of silence, the controversial people search website originally exposed in one of the largest data breaches in history has reemerged. The site, now operating under new ownership, raises renewed concerns about online privacy and the security of personal information.

Background of the Data Breach

Previously known as National Public Data (NPD), the site made headlines by leaking the personal details of over 3 billion individuals. The breach exposed sensitive data such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and more, fueling fears about identity theft and privacy violations. After disappearing from the internet, NPD has now returned, prompting questions about the safety of personal data online.

New Ownership, Same Risks

The relaunch is managed by Perfect Privacy LLC, a company that, despite its name, is not affiliated with the well-known VPN service of the same name. While the entity claims to have improved privacy measures, the core functionality remains unchanged. The website continues to allow anyone to search for personal information about friends, relatives, or strangers using just a name, without stringent verification or oversight.

Potential for Misuse and Privacy Concerns

Although NPD states that its data is sourced from public records, property databases, social media, and government sources—and claims to verify this information—errors and outdated details are still common. These inaccuracies can lead to misidentification or misuse of data, especially since the site’s disclaimers do not prevent users from exploiting the information for malicious purposes such as employment discrimination, housing denial, or credit denial.

For individuals seeking to protect their privacy, the process of removing personal data from NPD involves submitting individual removal requests, each requiring a confirmation email. Experts recommend using aliases or disposable emails during this process to simplify management and prevent clutter in your primary inbox.

Broader Privacy Challenges and Preventive Measures

Removing your profile from NPD is only a partial solution, as many other people search platforms like Whitepages, Spokeo, and Radaris pull data from the same public sources. These sites can reappear even after removal, making ongoing vigilance essential.

To mitigate risks, regularly search for your name across multiple platforms to identify new listings early. Additionally, consider employing comprehensive data removal services that actively scan and request the deletion of your information across hundreds of sites. While these services do not guarantee complete eradication, they significantly reduce your digital footprint and help prevent identity theft.

Protecting your privacy also involves monitoring your financial accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity, and installing reputable antivirus software to guard against malware and phishing attacks. Setting up alerts with banks, credit bureaus, and identity protection services further fortifies your defenses against unauthorized access and fraudulent activity.

For more details on securing your personal data, visit trusted resources like the official websites of credit bureaus and cybersecurity organizations. Regular privacy checks, combined with vigilant online behavior and technological safeguards, are crucial in maintaining control over your digital identity.

Ethan Cole

I'm Ethan Cole, a tech journalist with a passion for uncovering the stories behind innovation. I write about emerging technologies, startups, and the digital trends shaping our future. Read me on x.com