January 1, 2026
Press F to DELETE
California Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP)
California’s DROP says “delete my data” — readers cheer and jeer
TLDR: California’s DROP lets residents demand data brokers erase their info, with a 90-day deadline starting Aug 1, 2026. Comments swing between “huge privacy win” and “privacy theater,” debating enforcement, California-only limits, and whether verifying residency with the state feels safe or just another hoop
California just put a giant “NO THANKS” sticker on data brokers with DROP, a free tool to tell companies to delete your info. Starting August 1, 2026, brokers have 90 days to comply. The catch: it’s for California residents only, and you verify through the state’s Identity Gateway or Login.gov. The crowd’s response? Split down the middle. Privacy fans are high-fiving, dreaming of fewer spam texts, less phishing, and a world where AI can’t copy their voice and scam grandma. Skeptics are rolling their eyes: “Will brokers really delete anything, or just play whack-a-mole?” Some grumble that trusting the state to verify you is ironic in a privacy fight, while ad-tech watchers warn you might miss your ultra-targeted deals. The vibe is meme-y and messy: users joked about a giant red “DELETE” button, moving to California just to hit it, and finally silencing those extended warranty robocalls. One commenter simply dropped a breadcrumb to the backstory—Related: The Delete Act—hinting that the real drama will be enforcement. Fans say it’s a rare win for regular people; skeptics say it’s “privacy theater” until the first big broker actually wipes the slate clean.
Key Points
- •DROP is a free, secure service for California residents to request deletion of their personal data from data brokers.
- •Starting August 1, 2026, data brokers must delete requested data within 90 days.
- •Residency is verified via the California Identity Gateway or optionally through Login.gov, without requiring an account.
- •Users can submit requests for themselves or on behalf of another California resident (e.g., child or elderly relative).
- •DROP emphasizes privacy: information is only used to fulfill requests, not retained, sold, or shared, and only basic data is needed.