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Guides/Escalating to the ICOUK

How to remove your details from Escalating to the ICO

When a data broker ignores your erasure request or refuses without a lawful reason, the Information Commissioner’s Office is the UK regulator that can force the issue. Complaining is free.

Time
~15 min
Difficulty
Easy
Removal timeline
ICO acknowledges within ~30 days
Open Escalating to the ICO’s opt-out page

What Escalating to the ICO exposes

Enforcement backstop for any ignored request

Step by step

  1. 1

    Wait out the one month

    You can complain once the broker has had a calendar month and failed to respond or comply.

  2. 2

    Gather evidence

    Keep a copy of your original request and the date sent, plus any reply. The ICO wants to see you tried first.

  3. 3

    File the complaint

    Use the ICO’s online “make a complaint” form (ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/) and attach your evidence.

  4. 4

    Let it run

    The ICO contacts the broker; most comply quickly once the regulator is involved.

Your data is on more than just Escalating to the ICO

We track 268+ sites across the US and UK. Run a free exposure check to see everywhere you appear — then let us send the removal requests for you and keep monitoring.

Run my free exposure check How removal works

FAQ

Does the ICO charge?

No, complaints are free.

What can the ICO do?

It can order the broker to comply and, for serious or repeated breaches, issue fines.

Last updated 9 July 2026