Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) vs VALT Data Broker Removal

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.

VALT Data Broker Removal scans more than 1,000 broker databases and sends deletion requests for individual users. VALT says it files requests under CCPA, GDPR, and state privacy laws, then monitors for relistings and submits requests again when information reappears. Examples of brokers include Spokeo, Whitepages, Intelius, and BeenVerified. Removal times vary by broker, so the service describes its approach as ongoing exposure reduction rather than a one-time result. The exposure scan is free, requires no account or card, and does not ask for an SSN or government ID. VALT says its zero-knowledge design prevents the company and employees from seeing, accessing, or reconstructing raw personal data. Its privacy policy also describes encryption in transit and at rest, access controls, and regular security audits. The free plan includes dVPN protection, ad-supported secure browsing, connected apps, data widgets, and a seven-day activity lookback. Paid data erasure starts at $119.99/yr; the VALTIMATE plan is $239.99 per year and adds a dedicated removal specialist and custom removal requests.