A VPN encrypts the connection between your device and the VPN server and masks your IP address from the websites you visit. It does not remove your name, phone number or address from brokers, directories or existing Google results. Data removal, through GDPR requests and database deletion, acts at the source: asking data controllers to erase or anonymise records about you where the applicable conditions are met. The two approaches complement each other.
At a glance
| VPN | Data removal with Data Knight | |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Current network traffic | Data already exposed on websites or held by brokers; breaches are identified for protective action |
| Effect on Google name searches | Limited and indirect | Source removal and separate delisting requests can be combined |
| Brokers | Does not erase their records | Targeted GDPR requests |
| Pricing model | Commonly a subscription | Free scan followed by a removal plan |
What a VPN does well
- Encrypting the VPN tunnel when using public networks, such as café or airport Wi-Fi.
- Masking your IP from the website visited, changing the approximate location it sees.
- Accessing some geographically restricted content, subject to applicable law and service terms.
- Reducing what your internet provider can see about traffic inside the tunnel, while shifting some trust to the VPN provider.
A VPN does not:
- erase your public LinkedIn profile;
- remove your number from 118712 or Pages Jaunes;
- delete copies of data already exposed in a breach;
- guarantee complete anonymity, particularly when you sign into accounts or are recognised through cookies and browser fingerprints.
For browser advertising, see our guide to advertising opt-outs, a separate layer of privacy protection.
What data removal does
Removal targets information about you that is already stored or shared:
- Scan: identify where you appear through a free data scan covering the public web, brokers and known breaches.
- Choose: select the traces you want removed.
- Authorise and send: submit appropriate GDPR Article 17 requests through the removal journey.
Broker-removal services such as Incogni, DeleteMe and CrabClear address related needs. See our Incogni, CrabClear and Data Knight comparison.
Which should you choose?
- More private browsing on an untrusted network: consider a VPN, reviewing its operator, jurisdiction and logging policy.
- Removing directory records, broker profiles or certain web pages: use removal requests. A VPN alone cannot do this.
- Recruiter searches, mistaken identity or scams: combine a digital footprint review, source removal and, where appropriate, Google delisting.
- A limited budget: start with the free scan. If your main concern is being listed across websites, assess that exposure before buying another privacy tool.
How to combine them
A practical order is:
- Scan to understand the extent of exposure: analyse your data.
- Request removal of the most exposing records: remove your traces.
- Use an appropriate VPN and browser privacy settings to reduce further collection, alongside cookie choices and supported privacy signals.
- For breaches, change affected passwords and enable two-factor authentication: breach guide.
See also: Digital footprint and GDPR guide · Complete removal-service guide · Choosing a protection service · Incogni, CrabClear and Data Knight · Personalised prices and surveillance pricing
