California Unveils DROP Tool for Personal Data Deletion

California has launched the Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform (DROP), enabling residents to verify residency at privacy.ca.gov and submit a single deletion request across 500+ registered data brokers; starting Aug 1, 2026, brokers must check DROP at least every 45 days, complete deletions within 90 days, and face $200/day/violation penalties, while implementing automated matching (e.g., hashing) and extending deletions to service providers. Despite potential reductions in spam and fraud risk, DROP excludes first‑party data, certain public records, and HIPAA-covered data, and applies only to California-registered brokers.