by Xochitl T. Canela
California residents will soon have a new tool to protect their privacy and reduce unwanted calls and messages. During a May 20 Zoom press conference, the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) introduced the Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform, known as DROP.
Ana Cubas, a representative of the program, explained that beginning Aug. 1, Californians will be able to request the removal of their personal information from databases maintained by data brokers and telemarketers.
“Many people are tired of receiving spam calls and messages every day. This tool was created so residents can regain control over their personal information,” Cubas said.
The platform was developed by the California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPrivacy) following passage of California’s DELETE Act in 2023. The legislation was introduced by state Sen. Josh Becker and directed the agency to create a simple process for residents to limit the collection and sale of personal information.
According to program officials, data brokers collect and sell information such as names, phone numbers and email addresses, often without consumers being fully aware of how their information is being used. The practice has raised concerns about fraud, identity theft and privacy violations.
Cubas said that beginning Aug. 1, data brokers will be legally required to delete the information of individuals who submit requests through DROP.
Registering for the program is free and requires only three steps: verifying California residency, creating a profile on the state privacy platform and submitting a request asking data brokers to delete and stop selling personal information.
Officials said the outreach campaign is designed to reach communities throughout California. Program representatives have already visited Sacramento, Oakland and Los Angeles to educate residents about their privacy rights and encourage participation.
More than 300 people have already registered through the platform, and outreach efforts will continue throughout June.
One participant, Simón Quiroz, shared his experience after enrolling in the program.
“I used to receive many spam calls and messages every day,” Quiroz said. “When I learned about the program, I decided to sign up and request that my personal information no longer be used to contact me.”
Quiroz described the process as quick and simple, saying registration takes less than a minute.
Officials said the platform represents an important step toward strengthening digital privacy and giving Californians greater control over their personal information.
For more information, visit: privacy.ca.gov/drop
Source: Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications, California Privacy Protection Agency, and conference participants.
