California just made something possible that no other state has: removing your personal information from over 500 data brokers with a single request. It’s called the DELETE Act, and it created the DROP (Delete Request Online Portal) platform — the most aggressive data broker regulation in the country.
If you’re a California resident, this is a game-changer. If you’re not, understanding the DELETE Act matters because it’s setting the template other states are likely to follow.
In this guide:
- What the DELETE Act is and how it works
- How to use the DROP platform
- What the DELETE Act covers (and what it doesn’t)
- How it compares to automated removal services
- What to do if you’re not in California
Regardless of where you live: Run a free Optery scan to see which data broker sites have your personal information. The DELETE Act covers California-registered brokers, but automated services cover brokers the DELETE Act misses.
What Is the California DELETE Act?
The DELETE Act (Senate Bill 362) was signed into California law in 2023. It builds on the CCPA by specifically targeting the data broker industry with two major requirements:
Mandatory data broker registration. All data brokers operating in California must register with the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA). As of 2026, over 500 data brokers are registered — creating an official, public list of every company selling Californians’ personal data.
One-click deletion through DROP. The CPPA created the DROP (Delete Request Online Portal) platform, which lets California residents submit a single deletion request that goes to every registered data broker simultaneously. One form, 500+ deletions.
Before the DELETE Act, you had to opt out of each data broker individually — each with its own process. That took an estimated 40-80 hours across 100+ sites. The DELETE Act reduces that to one request through one portal.
How to Use the DROP Platform
If you’re a California resident, here’s how to use the DELETE Act’s DROP platform:
Step 1: Visit the DROP portal. Go to the California Privacy Protection Agency’s website and navigate to the DROP (Delete Request Online Portal) section.
Step 2: Verify your California residency. You’ll need to confirm that you’re a California resident. The portal may require proof of residency.
Step 3: Submit your personal information. Enter your name, address, phone number, email, and any other details you want removed from data broker databases.
Step 4: Submit the deletion request. Your single request is distributed to every registered data broker in California. Each broker is legally required to process your deletion request.
Step 5: Wait for processing. Data brokers have a set timeframe to process deletion requests (typically 30-45 days). The CPPA oversees compliance.
Step 6: Repeat periodically. The DELETE Act allows you to submit new deletion requests as data brokers re-collect your information. This is important because data brokers continuously rebuild profiles from new data sources.
What the DELETE Act Covers
The DELETE Act and DROP platform cover a significant portion of the data broker industry:
500+ registered data brokers. This includes major people search sites and behind-the-scenes data brokers that sell personal information to advertisers, marketers, and background check companies.
Both people search sites and background data brokers. Unlike services that focus only on consumer-facing people search sites, the DELETE Act covers data brokers operating in all segments — including those that sell data in bulk to businesses.
Legal enforcement. Data brokers that fail to register or refuse to comply with deletion requests face fines from the CPPA. This gives the DELETE Act real teeth that voluntary opt-out requests don’t have.
What the DELETE Act Doesn’t Cover
Despite being the strongest data broker regulation in the country, the DELETE Act has limitations:
Only California-registered brokers. The DELETE Act covers data brokers registered with the CPPA. Many data brokers operate nationally and may not be registered in California — especially smaller or newer ones. Your data may be on sites that the DELETE Act doesn’t reach.
No continuous monitoring. The DROP platform processes deletion requests, but it doesn’t continuously monitor for re-listings. Data brokers can re-collect and re-list your information after processing your deletion — and you won’t know until you submit another request.
California residents only. If you don’t live in California, you can’t use the DROP platform. The CCPA only grants rights to California residents.
Doesn’t prevent data collection. The DELETE Act lets you delete data that’s already been collected, but it doesn’t stop data brokers from collecting your information again from public records, online activity, and other sources.
Processing time. Data brokers have 30-45 days to process deletions. During that window, your data remains available.
DELETE Act vs. Automated Removal Services
How does the DELETE Act’s DROP platform compare to paid data removal services? Here’s the honest comparison:
| Feature | DELETE Act (DROP) | Optery | Incogni |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brokers Covered | 500+ (CA registered) | 350+ | 180+ |
| Continuous Monitoring | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Free | $39-$249/year | $77.88/year |
| Available To | CA residents only | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Unregistered Brokers | Not covered | Covered | Covered |
| Re-listing Protection | Manual re-submission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Free Scan | No | Yes | No |
The ideal approach for California residents: Use BOTH. Submit a deletion request through DROP (free) to cover the 500+ registered brokers, AND use an automated service to cover unregistered brokers and provide continuous monitoring for re-listings.
Optery — Our top recommendation to pair with DROP. Free scan shows your exposure, including brokers not registered with California. Paid plans automate removal from 350+ sites with continuous monitoring that catches re-listings DROP doesn’t address. Read our full Optery review →
Incogni — Best budget complement. Covers 180+ data brokers with continuous monitoring for $6.49/month. Read our full Incogni review →
What If You’re Not in California?
If you don’t live in California, you can’t use the DELETE Act’s DROP platform. But you’re not without options:
Check your state’s privacy laws. Several states have passed their own privacy laws — Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Texas, Oregon, and more. While none match California’s DELETE Act, many give you rights to request data deletion. Full guide to state privacy laws →
Use automated removal services. Optery and Incogni work in all 50 states. They submit opt-out requests to data brokers regardless of your state’s legal framework — and they handle continuous monitoring that even California’s DELETE Act doesn’t provide.
Opt out manually. You can still submit individual opt-out requests to data brokers from any state. They typically honor these requests even without legal requirements. Complete opt-out guide →
Reference the CCPA in your requests. Even from outside California, referencing the CCPA in your deletion requests sometimes gets better results — many brokers apply CCPA-level protections to all users rather than building state-specific systems.
Support federal legislation. The DELETE Act model works. Support federal privacy legislation that would bring similar protections to all Americans, not just Californians.
The Future of Data Broker Regulation
The DELETE Act is a template. Other states are studying California’s approach and considering similar legislation. Here’s what to watch for:
More states adopting broker registries. When data brokers are required to register, it creates accountability and enables tools like DROP. Vermont, Oregon, Texas, and New Jersey already have some form of data broker registration.
Federal legislation. The DELETE Act proves that one-click data broker deletion works at scale. Federal legislation modeled on this approach would extend these protections to all Americans.
Stronger enforcement. As the CPPA gains experience enforcing the DELETE Act, expect more fines and enforcement actions against non-compliant data brokers.
But waiting for legislation isn’t a privacy strategy. Take action now with the tools available to you.
Take Action Today
Whether you’re in California or not, the DELETE Act shows that data broker removal at scale is possible. Here’s your action plan:
California residents:
- Submit a deletion request through the DROP platform (free)
- Run a free Optery scan to catch brokers not registered with California
- Sign up for continuous monitoring through Optery or Incogni to catch re-listings
Non-California residents:
- Run a free Optery scan to see your data broker exposure
- Remove your data using Optery or Incogni — works in all 50 states
- Check your state’s privacy laws for additional rights
- Freeze your credit for additional protection
California’s DELETE Act proved it’s possible. Now it’s up to you to take action — regardless of where you live.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DELETE Act?
The DELETE Act (Senate Bill 362) is a California law that requires data brokers to register with the state and created the DROP platform — a one-click portal that lets California residents send deletion requests to all 500+ registered data brokers at once.
What is the DROP platform?
DROP (Delete Request Online Portal) is the California Privacy Protection Agency’s tool that lets California residents submit a single deletion request distributed to all registered data brokers. It’s the most streamlined data broker removal tool any state offers.
Can I use the DELETE Act if I don’t live in California?
No — the DELETE Act and DROP platform are only available to California residents. However, automated services like Optery and Incogni provide similar functionality nationwide. Check your state’s privacy laws for local rights.
Is the DELETE Act better than Optery or Incogni?
They’re complementary. The DELETE Act covers 500+ California-registered brokers for free. Automated services cover unregistered brokers AND provide continuous monitoring for re-listings — which the DELETE Act doesn’t. The best approach is to use both.
How often can I use the DROP platform?
You can submit new deletion requests as needed. Since data brokers re-collect information over time, periodic re-submission is recommended. Automated services like Optery and Incogni handle this continuous monitoring automatically.
Does the DELETE Act stop data brokers from collecting my data?
No. It gives you the right to delete data that’s already been collected, but it doesn’t prevent future collection. Data brokers will continue collecting your information from public records, online activity, and other sources. Continuous monitoring through automated services is needed for ongoing protection.
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice about your specific situation.
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