Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP)

What Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) is

Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) is a free web service for California residents who want to ask data brokers to delete their personal information and stop selling or sharing it. A single request can reach more than 600 registered data brokers. To submit one, users provide a name, date of birth, and ZIP code; they can add more details later. Mobile advertising IDs, connected TV IDs, and vehicle identification numbers are optional.

After a request is processed, brokers must check again for matching information and delete new matches at least every 45 days. They have up to 90 days to report how they handled the request. Users can update their profile and add information once every 45 days. DROP does not cover information given directly to a business, publicly available information, or information exempt from deletion by law.

DROP says submitted information is used only to process requests and stored in a secure, unreadable hashed format. California residency checks go through the California Identity Gateway; DROP says it does not retain the information used for that verification. CalPrivacy, the California Privacy Protection Agency, created in 2020 to protect California consumers’ privacy rights, operates the service. It aims to answer contact form messages in about two weeks.

Who it suits

DROP is for California residents seeking a single way to request deletion and opt out of sale or sharing across registered data brokers. It suits people who can submit the required identity details and want brokers to revisit new matching information periodically.

Limits

One request can reach over 600 registered data brokers, but it does not require deletion of information given directly to a business, publicly available information, or legally exempt information. Users can update profiles and add information once every 45 days; brokers have up to 90 days to report their processing.

Getting started

1. Open the DROP website in a web browser.
2. Verify California residency through the California Identity Gateway.
3. Submit your name, date of birth, and ZIP code.
4. Optionally add mobile advertising IDs, connected TV IDs, or vehicle identification numbers.
5. After the initial request, update your profile and add information once every 45 days.

Verdict

California residents should choose DROP when they want to send deletion and opt-out requests across many registered data brokers from one web service. Look elsewhere for requests involving information supplied directly to businesses, public information, or legally exempt information.