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California Tightens Data Broker Rules Ahead of DROP Launch, Sets Jan. 31 Registration Deadline

The advisory warns companies not to evade registration.

Overview

  • DROP goes live on January 1, 2026, letting consumers send a single recurring deletion request to all registered data brokers.
  • Any business that operated as a data broker at any time in 2025 must register with CalPrivacy and establish a DROP account by January 31, 2026.
  • Each legal entity must register separately, and a parent or affiliate’s registration does not cover related companies.
  • Registrations must list all trade names and websites with functioning links, including a clear privacy-rights page free of dark patterns.
  • Failure to register can trigger $200-per-day fines plus fees and enforcement costs, with a new strike force and other regulators signaling heightened scrutiny into 2026.