California Makes History as the First Jurisdiction Worldwide to Offer a Centralized Data Deletion Platform: California has taken a historic step toward strengthening digital privacy. With the launch of DROP (Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform), California residents can now exercise greater control over their personal information. Powered by the Delete Act, DROP allows consumers to request the deletion of their data from hundreds of data brokers through a single, streamlined process.
What Is the Delete Act and How Does DROP Work?
First and foremost, the Delete Act (Senate Bill 362) expands California’s already robust privacy framework under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). While the CCPA, introduced in 2018, gave Californians the right to know, access, and limit the use of their data, the Delete Act goes further.
Through DROP, Californians can now:
- Request deletion of personal information held by data brokers
- Control the sale and sharing of their personal data
- Submit one request that reaches all registered data brokers
As a result, DROP turns privacy rights into practical action.
Why DROP Matters for Consumers
Importantly, DROP is the first platform of its kind in the world. It allows consumers to submit a single deletion request that reaches more than 500 registered data brokers. Previously, individuals had to contact each broker separately—a process that was time-consuming and confusing.
Moreover, California stands out globally:
- It is the first jurisdiction worldwide to offer such a centralized deletion platform
- It is one of only **four U.S. states—along with Oregon, Texas, and Vermont—**that require mandatory data broker registration
Consequently, California continues to set the national and international standard for consumer data protection.
What the Delete Act Requires
Under the Delete Act, the California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPrivacy) must maintain a platform that:
- Allows consumers to submit deletion requests easily
- Sends those requests to all registered data brokers
- Remains free, accessible, and user-friendly
DROP fulfills all of these requirements.
At the same time, data brokers face stricter obligations. They must:
- Register annually with CalPrivacy
- Process deletion requests submitted through DROP
- Disclose the types of data they collect and share
- Undergo audits to ensure compliance
Failure to comply may result in penalties and administrative fines, reinforcing accountability across the data economy.
A Decade of Progress in California Privacy Law
California’s privacy protections have evolved steadily over the years:
- 2018: The CCPA establishes broad consumer privacy rights
- 2019: AB 1202 creates the nation’s first data broker registry
- 2020: Voters expand the CCPA and create CalPrivacy
- 2023: The Delete Act is signed into law, expanding broker oversight
- 2025: Amendments require additional disclosures from data brokers
- 2026: DROP becomes available to consumers, with brokers required to process deletion requests starting August 1, 2026
What This Means Going Forward
Ultimately, DROP marks a turning point in how personal data is managed in the digital age. By simplifying the deletion process and holding data brokers accountable, California empowers residents to reclaim control over their digital identities.
As privacy concerns continue to grow worldwide, California’s DROP platform and the Delete Act may well become a model for future privacy laws across the United States and beyond.
