What California DROP Collects
California DROP (Data Removal Option Program) is not a data broker itself — it is a meta-platform operated by the California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPPA) that allows California residents to submit a single data deletion or opt-out request to 500+ registered data brokers simultaneously. When you submit through California DROP, participating brokers are legally required to process your deletion request. The platform itself collects your submission to route it to the appropriate brokers; it does not sell or retain your data independently.
How to Remove Yourself
Step 1: Verify California Residency
California DROP requires California residency verification. You will need to authenticate through the California Identity Gateway (CIG), which supports Login.gov or California state ID. Have one of these ready before starting.
Step 2: Go to California DROP
Navigate to https://consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov — the official California DROP portal run by CalPPA.
Step 3: Submit Your Removal Request
Fill out the form with your name, email, phone, and address. Select the type of request you want to submit (deletion or opt-out). The platform will route your request to all 500+ registered data brokers that participate in the program.
Step 4: Wait for Broker Processing
As of August 1, 2026, participating brokers are required to delete your personal data every 45 days on a rolling basis after receiving your request. Before August 2026, the 45-day deletion obligation has not yet taken effect. California DROP provides no individual confirmation when each broker deletes your data — you should monitor individual broker sites to verify removal.
Important Notes
- California residents only — you must pass California residency verification to use this service.
- Does NOT delete government records — property records, court filings, voter registration, and other public government documents are not covered and cannot be removed via California DROP.
- Data repopulates after 180 days — per CalPPA rules, you may need to resubmit every 6 months to maintain suppression across participating brokers.
- Not instantaneous — this is a batch processing system, not a real-time removal. Full processing takes up to 45 days per broker after August 2026.
- 500+ brokers included — this covers most major data brokers but not all. Some brokers not registered in California may not be included.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation as proof of your request.
Contact / Email Template
California DROP does not have a direct email contact for individual requests — it is a self-service portal. For issues or questions about the program:
Contact the California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPPA) directly at the California DROP website for platform support.