Documenting platforms that violate privacy laws by restricting account deletion
Tracking services violating GDPR/CCPA account deletion requirements - both "privacy-focused" and mainstream platforms
Services operating in the EU (GDPR) or California (CCPA) must provide account deletion options. Failure to comply risks fines up to 4% of global revenue under GDPR Learn more.
Many services claiming privacy focus (write.as, Ghost) or mainstream platforms (PayPal/Venmo) fail GDPR/CCPA compliance by:
- No self-service deletion (write.as requires email)
- Buried deletion paths (Cash App hides under 4 menus)
- Account locks pre-deletion (PayPal blocks limited accounts)
- Issue: Requires manual closure via Settings → "Close Account" but blocks deletion if:
- Balance ≠ $0
- Account limitations exist
- Workaround:
- Withdraw all funds
- File GDPR deletion request via Privacy Portal
- Escalate to Data Protection Officer: dpo@paypal.com (Disabled it)
- Issue: No deletion option in mobile app; requires desktop
- Steps:
- Web: Settings → "Close Venmo Account"
- If balance > $0: Transfer funds firs
- If blocked, email legal@venmo.com with GDPR request
- Issue: Buried deletion path and funds seizure reports
- Steps:
- Profile → Support → "Close Account"
- Document transactions before closure
- Complain to CFPB if funds withheld
- Issue: No self-service closure; requires contacting support
- Method:
- Email support@xoom.com with subject "Account Deletion Request"
- Cite GDPR Article 17 if ignored
- Issue: Cannot downgrade to personal accounts
- Solution:
- Close business account via Profile → "Close Account"
- Create new personal account with same email
| Service | Issue | Deletion Method |
|---|---|---|
| write.as | No self-delete; Requires manual email | 1. Email hello@write.as with username2. Wait 3-5 days 3. Escalate via GDPR/CCPA request if ignored |
| learn.privacyguides.org | No account system but hosts guides about deletion rights | N/A (Informational resource) |
| Ghost | Requires admin intervention for hosted blogs | 1. Dashboard → Settings → "Delete Site" 2. Self-hosted instances vary |
| WriteFreely instances | Self-deletion depends on instance settings | |
| Checklist.GG | No self-delete; Requires manual email | 1. Email contact@checklist.gg with your associated email address2. Wait 24-72 hours 3. Escalate via GDPR/CCPA request if ignored |
| MySudo/Anonyome | No self-delete; Requires manual email (Stores your device identifers after you request account deletion) | 1. Email support@anonyome.com with your associated email address2. Wait 24-72 hours 3. Escalate via GDPR/CCPA request if ignored |
| Service | Type | Compliance Failure |
|---|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | Social Media | "Deactivation" ≠ deletion; 30-day grace period |
| Meta Platforms | Social Media | Complex data download required pre-deletion |
| Google Accounts | Ecosystem | Retains search history post-deletion |
| edX | Learning/School | Buried deletion process requiring support tickets |
| Data Brokers | Xoom Energy | Requires phone call to cancel |
| PeopleFinders/Whitepages | Notorious for resisting deletions | |
| Dark Pattern Offenders | Always-on IoT Devices | Cameras/speakers with hidden deletion paths |
| NordVPN/NordPass | Confirm-shaming during cancellation |
| Industry | Study | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Media Platforms | 63% use interface dark patterns during deletion | |
| Data Retention | 41% retain data despite deletion claims |
|
1. Email hello@write.as with:
- Account email
- Username
- Explicit deletion request
2. If no response in 5 days:
- Resend with GDPR Article 17 citation
3. For EU residents:
- CC your national DPA (e.g., datenschutz@bbb.org)1. myaccount.google.com → "Data & Privacy"
2. "Delete a Google Service" → Select products
3. Use "Download Your Data" first
4. Submit deletion request via privacy portal -
Template Requests:
-
Regulatory Escalation:
- EU: EDPB Complaint Form
- US: FTC Complaint
git clone https://github.com/Jeyso215/Privacy-Focused-Services-Account-Deletion-Rights
cd Privacy-Focused-Services-Account-Deletion-Rights
./submit_service.sh [Service Name]Badges:
[
[
Citations:
- PayPal closure process
- Venmo desktop requirement
- Xoom support dependency
- Legal penalties under GDPR
Star this repo to combat dark patterns in "privacy-focused" platforms.
- How do I close my PayPal account?
- How do I delete my Paypal account? It's been 2 weeks I'm trying
- How do I close my PayPal account? | PayPal IN
- Solved: I can't delete my account. - PayPal Community
- How do I close my PayPal account?
- How to Delete a Venmo Account - How-To Geek
- Close My Venmo Account
- How to Close & Delete Your Venmo Account? - GeeksforGeeks
- How to delete your Venmo account - Android Police
- Can't close my account. Why even have the option if it doesn't work ...
- Cash app closed my account with no notice or warning - Reddit
- Cash app closed my account and took my money. : r/CashApp - Reddit
- Close Account - Cash App
- How do you delete account? : r/CashApp - Reddit
- How to Permanently Delete a Cash App Account - Lifewire
- How do I close my Xoom account?
- How do I close my Xoom account? | PayPal US
- How to delete a Xoom account in 6 easy steps? - Wise
- Account Deletion - Privacy Guides
- Data deletion and retention controls - Google Ads Help
- Deleting Anonymous Post - Help - Discuss Write.as
- Cancel Account / Subscription - Write.as Guides
- Account deletion? - Help - Discuss Write.as
- Delete account - Help - Discuss Write.as
- Account Deletion - Privacy Guides
- Data Removal Services - Privacy Guides
- Understanding Google Play's app account deletion requirements
- User Agreement for Xoom Services | Xoom, a PayPal Service
- How do I upgrade or downgrade my PayPal account?
- How do I remove "Business Account" Type? - PayPal Community
- Solved: How do I close a business account - PayPal Community