California residents can use new tool to demand brokers delete their personal data
TechCrunch••business
Key Points:
- California has launched the Delete Requests and Opt-Out Platform (DROP), enabling residents to submit a single request to over 500 registered data brokers to delete their personal information.
- Although residents can now make one consolidated deletion request, data brokers will begin processing these requests in August 2026 and have 90 days to complete and report on them.
- Data brokers must delete data they buy or sell, such as social security numbers and browsing history, but companies can retain first-party data collected directly from users; certain public and sensitive information is exempt.
- The California Privacy Protection Agency highlights that DROP aims to reduce unwanted communications, identity theft, fraud, and the risk of data breaches.
- Data brokers face penalties of $200 per day
