Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) vs MyDataRemoval

Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) is a free web service from the California Privacy Protection Agency, also called CalPrivacy. It lets eligible California residents ask data brokers to delete their personal information and stop selling or sharing it. One request can reach over 600 registered data brokers. Users begin with a name, date of birth, and ZIP code, then may add more information. Mobile advertising IDs, connected TV IDs, and vehicle identification numbers are optional. After initial processing, brokers must re-check for new matching information and delete it at least every 45 days. Brokers have up to 90 days to report how they handled a request, and users can update their profile once every 45 days. DROP says submitted information is used only to process requests and stored in secure, unreadable hashed form. Residency verification runs through the California Identity Gateway, and DROP says it does not retain that verification information. The service does not require deletion of information given directly to a business, publicly available information, or legally exempt information.

MyDataRemoval helps US residents remove personal information from people-search websites and data brokers. Human review and algorithms locate data, submit removal requests and report which sites held it and when it was removed. Covered sites are scanned each month because removed information can reappear. The covered-sites page lists 232 sites, including 23 premium sites reserved for Premium plans. Free Scan costs nothing, requires no card and shows exposed data without removing it. Standard costs $8.33 a month, billed $99.99 per year, and includes people-search and major-broker removals, monthly monitoring and up to five addresses per individual. Premium costs $499 a year and adds the 23 premium sites and priority support. The web service offers family coverage, assisted requests and periodic removal.