Why Does Data Broker Scan and Removal Take So Long?

Data broker scanning and removal is an ongoing process, and it's completely normal for it to take longer than expected. Our process is designed to locate your information on data broker databases and submit removal requests on your behalf — and it doesn't stop after the first scan.

⏱️ Initial Scan & First Removals

The initial phase typically takes 2–5 business days. During this time, we:

• Scan data broker sites to identify where your personal information may appear.
• Send the first round of removal requests on your behalf.

This is just the beginning of the protection process.

🔍 Why Some Removals Take Longer

Not all data brokers work the same way. Delays can happen for several reasons:

• Different response times: Each data broker has its own process and timeline for handling removal requests. Some are faster than others, while others may take several weeks or even months to update or remove your information.
• Complex data sharing: Your information may exist across multiple databases, requiring confirmations from each one.
• Manual reviews: Some brokers require extra verification before processing a removal.
• Volume: We work with nearly 300 data brokers, and removal requests are processed thoroughly for each one to ensure nothing is missed.

Security issues are continuously monitored, but they cannot all be resolved immediately because some depend on third-party services, data brokers, or websites to update or remove information after a request is submitted.

🔄 Continuous Monitoring & Protection

Data removal is ongoing because new sources can appear over time. That's why we continuously scan and submit new requests throughout your subscription:

• We constantly monitor for new exposures.

Not all data brokers work the same way. Delays can happen for several reasons:

• Different response times: Each data broker has its own process and timeline for handling removal requests. Some are faster than others, which is why this takes time.
• Complex data sharing: Your information may exist across multiple databases, requiring confirmations from each one.

📋 What You Need to Know

• Our process is already actively running on your behalf.
• Each broker has its own timeline — some comply within days, while others may take several weeks or months.
• You don't need to take any action — even when the status shows "In Progress," our systems are working behind the scenes.
• We continuously scan and submit new requests throughout your subscription because data brokers can re-acquire information over time.
• If specific issues show no movement for an extended period, the account can be escalated for a technical review to verify that scans and removal requests are progressing as expected.

📊 Tracking Your Data Removal Progress

You can check the status of each individual data broker directly in the app at any time. Each broker will show one of the following statuses:

1. Open the Control+ app.
2. Open the Home screen or Dashboard.
3. Tap Data Removal.
4. Review the status shown next to each data broker.

Each broker will show one of the following statuses:

The progress indicator may remain unchanged for 24 hours or longer, then jump forward when additional brokers respond. Seeing only a small number completed—such as 18 out of roughly 300—can be normal while the remaining requests are being processed. The full process can take around 90 days, and new brokers may be added during scanning, so the status may remain In Progress for some time.

You may also see a moving circle indicator on the Home screen — this means we're actively working on your protection. Even when there are no visible changes, our systems are continuously scanning, monitoring, and submitting removal requests behind the scenes.

If the Scan Appears Stuck

You can continue using your phone or switch to other apps; the scan continues in the background. If the app appears stalled, fully close it and reopen it. If it still appears stuck after a prolonged period, send a screenshot and indicate the percentage or step where it stopped so the account can be checked.

🛡️ Protection Percentage on the Home Screen

The protection percentage shown on the Home screen is not directly tied to data broker removal progress. Instead, it reflects the number of protection features currently active on your device, such as:

• Identity Protection

🛡️ Protection Percentage on the Home Screen

• SMS Protection
• Call Protection

These features work together to protect you in real time, alongside the data removal process.
For more details on how your protection percentage is calculated, see this article.

• Different response times: Each data broker has its own process and timeline for handling removal requests. Some are faster than others, which is why this takes time.
• Complex data sharing: Your information may exist across multiple databases, requiring confirmations from each one.
• Manual reviews: Some brokers require extra verification before processing a removal.
• Volume: We work with nearly 300 data brokers, and removal requests are processed thoroughly for each one to ensure nothing is missed.

🔄 Continuous Monitoring & Protection

Data removal is ongoing because new sources can appear over time. That's why we continuously scan and submit new requests throughout your subscription:

• We constantly monitor for new exposures.
• We regularly add new data brokers to improve your coverage.
• As our protection expands, you may occasionally see more brokers appear in your app.

This does not mean your situation has gotten worse. It means our system is finding and working to remove your information from more sources than before.

📋 What You Need to Know

• Our process is already actively running on your behalf.
• Each broker has its own timeline — some comply within days, others take longer.
• You don't need to take any action — even when the status shows "In Progress," our systems are working behind the scenes.
• We continuously scan and submit new requests throughout your subscription because data brokers can re-acquire information over time.

📊 Tracking Your Data Removal Progress

You can check the status of each individual data broker directly in the app at any time. Each broker will show one of the following statuses:

🛡️ Protection Percentage on the Home Screen

The protection percentage shown on the Home screen is not directly tied to data broker removal progress. Instead, it reflects the number of protection features currently active on your device, such as:

• Identity Protection
• SMS Protection
• Call Protection

These features work together to protect you in real time, alongside the data removal process.
For more details on how your protection percentage is calculated, see this article.
These features work together to protect you in real time, alongside the data removal process.
For more details on how your protection percentage is calculated, see this article.

Updated on: 23/07/2026