California privacy enforcement in 2026: A discussion with CalPrivacy's Tom Kemp

On 1 Jan., California's Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform, known as DROP, became available to state residents. Part of California's Delete Act, the DROP system thus far has seen more than 215,000 residents sign up for the opt-out mechanism. The platform is overseen by the California Privacy Protection Agency and features more than 500 registered data brokers. Tom Kemp is the executive director of the CPPA, also known as CalPrivacy, and sat down with IAPP Editorial Director Jedidiah Bracy to discuss how the DROP system is faring, as well as the priorities the agency is taking in 2026, including the appointment of Sabrina Boyson Ross as CalPrivacy's first chief auditor.