WhitePages Privacy

Welcome to the WhitePages privacy page. This resource is intended to provide you with information and tools to help you manage personal listing information displayed on WhitePages or elsewhere on the Internet. Click on the links below to learn more about WhitePages and our philosophy and approach to privacy.

If you are interested in learning about the collection, use, sharing, access and security of information gathered while visiting our Web sites, please see our Privacy Policy.

• WhitePages Privacy Q & A
• Privacy Tips, Tools and Resources
• Other “People Search” Web sites
• WhitePages Privacy Feedback

WhitePages Privacy Q&A

This Q&A provides answers to questions we often hear from our customers about WhitePages and our approach to privacy. Click on the link to go to a specific question or simply scroll down to read them all.

• Who is WhitePages?
• Is WhitePages “The phone company”?
• Where does the listing information on WhitePages come from?
• Why does WhitePages include age ranges, job titles and other information?
• Why does WhitePages include maps and directions?
• How can I remove my listing information from WhitePages?
• Will WhitePages re-publish listing information after it has been removed?

Who is WhitePages?

WhitePages is a privately-held company located in Seattle, WA. We make it fantastically simple for everyone to find each other and connect through our network of WhitePages Web sites, “powered by WhitePages” Web sites and linking partners.

Is WhitePages “The phone company”?

WhitePages is not owned by or affiliated with any phone company. We do not publish print phone directories or operate ‘411’ services. “The phone company” charges customers for directory assistance and to be non-published. On WhitePages users can find information for free, publish information about themselves for free, connect with each other for free and, if they choose, remove information about themselves for free.

Where does the listing information on WhitePages come from?

We obtain our listing information from a broad variety of publicly available information sources and third party data suppliers. Examples of publicly available information includes published phone directories and information published on the Internet. Examples of third party data include information collected – both online and offline – through “free” offers, contests, sweepstakes or other similar offers. Third party data may also include publicly available information. Often, information collected through contests and free offers can be shared with third parties. WhitePages users are also able to publish information directly on our Web site, in which case the listing is marked as "user added". If listing information is NOT on WhitePages, it is either unavailable or has been removed for privacy reasons.

Why does WhitePages include age ranges, job titles and other information?

Our goal is to make it fantastically simple for everyone to find each other and connect. Based on our research, a majority of our users say that attributes such as age and occupation are helpful in identifying the person they are searching for, especially if there are multiple results for any given search.

Why does WhitePages include maps and directions?

Based on our research, a majority of our users say that maps and driving directions are two of the most important features on WhitePages. Our goal is to make it fantastically simple for everyone to find and connect with each other; features such as maps and driving directions are integral to reaching that goal.

How can I remove my listing information from WhitePages?

To remove your listing from WhitePages, follow our fast and simple online listing removal procedures:

• Search for your listing information on www.WhitePages.com
• If your search includes multiple results, click on the “Listing Details” link for your listing
• Scroll down to the “Privacy Options” section and click, “Is this you? Remove your listing”

Will WhitePages re-publish listing information after it has been removed?

We take steps to block the re-publication of listing information once it has been removed. However, similar listing information may be published. For example, if you move or change your name, a listing with your new information may appear on WhitePages. We encourage you to visit WhitePages regularly to check if any new listing information is published and, if you choose, remove that information.

Privacy Tips, Tools and Resources

Managing your privacy in today’s fast-paced world can be a daunting task. Fortunately, you can take steps to control how and where your listing information appears. We offer the following suggestions to help you.

1. Understand the fine print on “free” offers
   When something is advertised as “free” it often means that – in return for a free service or chance to win a prize – you must provide information about yourself. Whenever you provide personal contact information, read the fine print to learn how the information will be used and whether it will be shared with third parties.
2. Read Web sites’ privacy policies (and other fine print)
   A company’s Privacy Policy informs users how information is collected, used and shared. Be sure to read a company’s Privacy Policy before providing any personally identifiable information. A company’s Terms of Use/Service is also a good source of information to better understand the company’s principles regarding your use of their products and services.
3. Get a P.O. Box
   One of the most effective and inexpensive things you can do to keep your home address private is to get a Post Office Box, submit a permanent change of address to that P.O. Box and use that address when filling out forms and applications. Taking these steps helps reduce the circulation of your home address, both online and offline.
4. Use available technology
   • Block “Caller ID” on your phone
   • Use spam-blocker, anti-virus and anti-spyware software
   • Obtain your annual free credit report online
   • Set your Web browser’s privacy settings to your preference
5. Be thorough and vigilant
   WhitePages offers a fast, easy and free method for you to remove information from our Web sites. Unfortunately, not every company that publishes listing information offers the same level of service. Your ability to control personal information held by offline companies is even less accessible. If there is not a clear path to remove your information from a company’s Web site or records, we recommend that you contact the company directly to request the removal of your information. Persistence is often the key to success.
6. Develop a personal privacy routine
   Create a privacy schedule and set reminders for yourself. Spend time searching for and removing information that you wish to keep private. By establishing a sensible, recurring, privacy-centric routine, you will be better able to control and maintain your privacy preferences.

Below are links to online tools and resources that will help you learn more about consumer privacy issues and take steps to protect your privacy.

• Free Annual Credit Report: http://www.annualcreditreport.com/
• FTC Do Not Call Registry: http://www.donotcall.gov
• FTC’s ID Theft Resource Center: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
• BBB Online’s Privacy Tips: http://www.bbbonline.org/understandingprivacy/toolbox/tips.asp
• Network Advertising Initiative: http://www.networkadvertising.org/index.asp

Other “People Search” Web sites

Listing information – such as a person’s name, address and phone number – is available through a number of Web sites and third parties. Controlling your listing information on WhitePages is just one step in protecting the privacy of your information.

To help you better understand the availability and use of listing information, we have provided a list of several Web sites that publish or sell listing information in some form.

(NOTE: The inclusion of the links above does not imply endorsement by WhitePages. All registered trademarks and service marks are used for reference purposes only, and remain the property of their respective owners. WhitePages makes no representations or warranties with respect to how the companies listed above handle your personal information. You should visit each company's Web site to learn about their privacy policies and respective opt-out procedures. We encourage you to read and understand the privacy policy and information practices of all companies with whom you share any personally identifiable information.)

WhitePages Privacy Feedback

Please send your privacy comments and feedback to privacy@whitepages.com.