The Defend Foundation

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The Defend Foundation

Privacy Center

State · United States

California

The Privacy Center provides general information and links to official government resources. It is not legal advice, and The Defend Foundation is not a government agency. Privacy laws, eligibility requirements, and agency procedures may change. Always check the relevant official government source for current information. The Privacy Center does not determine which laws apply to you, contact agencies, or submit requests on your behalf.

Your digital rights and protections in California

What each protection means, who it covers, and the official place to go. Links open official websites in a new tab. You'll leave Defend, and Defend doesn't send anything on your behalf.

Privacy & personal data

  • Delete your data from registered data brokers with DROP

    In effectAlso about: Identity theft & credit

    DROP, California's free Delete Request and Opt-out Platform, lets California residents send one request telling over 600 registered data brokers to delete, and not sell, their personal information.

    Who or what it protects
    California residents. In some cases you can submit a request for another California resident, such as a parent for a child or a family member for an elderly relative.
    What you can do
    Confirm that you are a California resident, create a profile with the information you choose to give, and submit one DROP request. Since August 1, 2026, data brokers must check DROP at least once every 45 days and begin processing requests. It could take up to 90 days to see your status updated in DROP. DROP is free. You can also see which companies are registered as data brokers in California's Data Broker Registry.
    Limits and eligibility
    DROP sends your request to registered data brokers; it doesn't reach every company that has your information. When data brokers delete your information, some online experiences may change, for example you may see fewer targeted ads or less personalized content.
    Who oversees it
    California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPrivacy)
    The law
    California Delete Act

    Checked against the official sources on October 6, 2026. Links last checked November 1, 2026.

  • Your California consumer privacy rights (CCPA)

    In effect

    The California Consumer Privacy Act, expanded by the California Privacy Rights Act that voters approved in 2020, gives Californians privacy rights when businesses collect their personal information.

    Who or what it protects
    California residents, in their dealings with businesses covered by the CCPA, subject to the law's scope and exceptions.
    What you can do
    You can ask a business what personal information it has collected about you and how it uses and shares it, ask it to delete that information (with some exceptions), and ask it to correct inaccurate information. You can opt out of the sale of your information and its sharing for targeted advertising, and limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal information. A business can't discriminate against you for using these rights. If you believe a business violated your rights, you can file a complaint with the California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPrivacy).
    Limits and eligibility
    Not every business or use of information is covered, and the rights have exceptions. CalPrivacy does not represent individual consumers or act as your attorney; complaints help it decide what to look into.
    Who oversees it
    California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPrivacy)
    The law
    CCPA/CPRA

    Checked against the official sources on October 6, 2026. Links last checked November 1, 2026.

Some protections come from national law. See federal protections

Other ways we can help