Archive — US — techcrunch
California residents can use new tool to demand brokers delete their personaldata
California has introduced a new tool, the Delete Requests and Opt-Out Platform (DROP), enabling residents to easily demand data deletion from over 500 brokers. Effective from August 2026, brokers must process requests within 90 days, though not all data is eligible for deletion. This initiative aims to enhance consumer privacy and reduce risks like identity theft.
Key points
- California residents now have a new tool (DROP) to request deletion of personal data held by data brokers.
- This tool simplifies the opt-out process previously requiring individual requests to each broker.
- The DELETE Act passed in 2023 mandates that brokers must start processing requests from August 2026.
- Residents can verify their identity and submit deletion requests to all registered brokers.
- Brokers must process these requests within 90 days and face fines for non-compliance.
- Certain types of data, like first-party data or public records, are exempt from deletion.
- The initiative aims to empower consumers, reduce unwanted communications, and lower identity theft risks.
Why it matters
- The DELETE Act and DROP are responses to growing concerns about data privacy following scandals involving data misuse.
- Similar privacy laws are being enacted globally, reflecting a broader trend towards user data protection.
- The push for data privacy aligns with the increasing awareness of AI risks and identity theft.
- This initiative may influence other states to implement similar data protection measures as consumer awareness rises.
The introduction of the DROP platform represents a significant advancement in data privacy for California residents, reflecting a broader trend in seeking to control personal data and mitigate associated risks in an increasingly digital world.