California’s DROP Platform and How Searchbug
California’s Delete Act created a new privacy tool called the Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform, or DROP. DROP is designed to help California consumers submit deletion requests to registered data brokers through a centralized state-run system rather than contacting each company one at a time. The California Privacy Protection Agency describes DROP as a platform for registered data brokers covered by the Delete Act.
At the same time, not every company that displays personal information online is a registered data broker under California law. Searchbug’s role is different from the role of a traditional data broker that collects, stores, manages, administers, and resells its own database of consumer information. Searchbug offers its own direct opt-out process through its CCPA page at Searchbug CCPA page.
Understanding DROP and Searchbug’s Role
What DROP does
DROP allows California residents to submit one request intended to reach registered data brokers that are required to participate in the Delete Act system. Beginning August 1, 2026, data brokers must access DROP at least every 45 days and process applicable deletion requests under the rules established by California regulators.
The purpose of the system is to simplify privacy rights for consumers across the registered data broker ecosystem. It is not a universal deletion tool for every website or service that may display information originating from third-party sources. DROP is specifically tied to companies that meet California’s legal definition of a data broker.
Who must participate
California’s data broker framework applies to a business that meets the statutory definition of a “business” under the CCPA/CPRA and also knowingly collects and sells personal information about a consumer with whom it does not have a direct relationship. California guidance explains that a covered business generally meets one of three thresholds: annual revenue above the applicable threshold, annually buying, selling, or sharing personal information of 100,000 or more consumers or households, or deriving 50% or more of annual revenue from selling or sharing consumers’ personal information.
Based on Searchbug’s current facts, Searchbug does not currently meet those thresholds. Searchbug’s annual revenue is below the applicable threshold, fewer than 100,000 California consumers or households are involved annually, and less than 50% of revenue is derived from selling or sharing consumers’ personal information. On that basis, Searchbug is not currently required to register as a data broker or participate in DROP. The statutory framework for these thresholds appears in California Civil Code section 1798.140 and related California privacy guidance. Searchbug evaluates these data broker requirements annually to determine whether registration or participation is required for a given year.
How Searchbug is different
Searchbug does not collect, store, manage, administer, or sell personal information directly. The reports available through Searchbug are derived from third-party data brokers and data providers that collect and maintain the underlying information. Because of that, Searchbug is not the original source or administrator of the underlying records that may appear in a report.
That distinction matters. If a consumer uses DROP or otherwise opts out with upstream data brokers and data providers, the underlying source information may stop appearing over time in services that rely on those third-party feeds. In that sense, participation in DROP may affect whether information later appears through services that depend on those upstream sources.
However, because Searchbug’s reports are derived from third-party sources, Searchbug generally cannot remove the original source record from the upstream provider’s database. What Searchbug can do is suppress or block information from appearing in Searchbug reports when a consumer submits a valid opt-out request under Searchbug’s published policy here: Searchbug CCPA page.
Searchbug’s approach to privacy
Searchbug understands that privacy matters, and Searchbug takes opt-out requests seriously. Searchbug works with privacy and removal providers, including services like Incogni, and honors valid opt-out requests received through those channels as well as through its own published process. Searchbug values privacy for consumers who want to limit the visibility of their information and aims to make the process as straightforward as possible.
At the same time, Searchbug’s services are built to help businesses maintain cleaner customer lists, improve data quality, support compliance efforts, and reduce risk under laws such as TCPA and DNC. That includes helping businesses avoid relying on outdated or incorrect information that may be tied to old records. Searchbug’s goal is to help companies use data responsibly while also respecting legitimate privacy concerns.
Why direct opt-out may be simpler
California’s DROP system is designed for registered data brokers and includes a state-administered request flow for those companies. By contrast, Searchbug’s direct opt-out path lets consumers go straight to Searchbug to request suppression of information from Searchbug reports.
For consumers, this may be simpler because it avoids using a separate state platform for a company that is not currently required to participate in DROP. It also provides a direct route to request that information be blocked from appearing in Searchbug results, even though Searchbug is not the original owner or administrator of the source data.
Why a Direct Opt-Out May Be Simpler Than DROP
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DROP Is Build for Registered Data Brokers
California’s DROP system includes a state-administered request flow designed for companies that meet the statutory data broker definition. Searchbug is not currently one of them.
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Go Straight to the Source of the Report
Searchbug’s direct opt-out path lets consumers request suppression of information from Searchbug reports without routing the request through a separate state platform
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Simple Identifying Information Is Enough
In most cases a name plus a phone number, or a name plus a mailing address, is all that is needed to submit a valid request underr Searchbug’s published policy.
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Upstream Opt-Outs Still Help
Opting out with upstream data brokers through DROP may reduce what appears over time in any service that relies on those third-party feeds, including Searchbug.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is California’s DROP platform?
California’s DROP platform is the Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform created under the state’s Delete Act. It allows consumers to submit deletion requests to registered data brokers through one centralized system.Does DROP apply to every company?
No. DROP is intended for registered data brokers that meet California’s legal thresholds for participation. It does not apply to every website or company that displays personal information.Is Searchbug required to participate in DROP?
No. Based on Searchbug’s current facts, Searchbug does not currently meet the thresholds that would require registration as a data broker or participation in DROP.What are the California data broker thresholds?
A covered business generally meets one of three thresholds: annual revenue above the applicable amount, annually buying, selling, or sharing personal information of 100,000 or more consumers or households, or deriving 50% or more of annual revenue from selling or sharing consumers’ personal information.Does Searchbug collect or store consumer data directly?
No. Searchbug states that its reports are derived from third-party data brokers and data providers that collect and maintain the underlying information.Can Searchbug delete the original source record?
No. The underlying records are maintained by third-party sources; Searchbug does not have control over or access to delete any original records. Searchbug can, however, suppress or block information from appearing in Searchbug reports when a valid opt-out request is submitted through its published policy.How can I opt out of Searchbug?
Consumers can submit a direct request through Searchbug’s CCPA page. In many ordinary cases, a request can be submitted using basic identifying information such as a name and phone number or a name and mailing address.Is Searchbug’s direct opt-out process easier than DROP?
For many consumers, yes. Searchbug’s direct opt-out process avoids the need to use a separate state platform and provides a direct route to request suppression of information from Searchbug reports.Does Searchbug review its status each year?
Yes. Searchbug evaluates the applicable California data broker and privacy-law thresholds annually to determine whether registration or participation obligations apply for that year.Where can I find Searchbug’s CCPA page?
Searchbug’s CCPA page is available here: Searchbug CCPA page.
Important note: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. California privacy laws and regulatory interpretations can change, and any company evaluating its obligations under the Delete Act, DROP, the CCPA, or the CPRA should review the governing statutes and official California guidance or consult qualified counsel.
