California passed a new law making it simpler for residents to delete their personal information from data brokers and people-search websites. The state's Department of Attorney General now requires these companies to honor deletion requests within 45 days, a tighter timeline than before.
Data brokers collect and sell your name, address, phone number, email, Social Security number, and financial details. People-search sites like Whitepages, Spokeo, and BeenVerified aggregate this data and sell access to it. Scammers, harassers, and identity thieves use these platforms to find targets.
California's requirement forces compliance from out-of-state firms too. If a data broker operates in California or sells data about California residents, they must follow the new rules. Companies that ignore deletion requests face penalties from the state.
Here's what this means for you. If you live in California, submit deletion requests directly to people-search sites through their opt-out pages. The 45-day requirement gives you a legal framework. Keep records of your requests. If a company doesn't comply, report them to the California Attorney General.
Even if you don't live in California, the law applies pressure nationwide. Data brokers operate across state lines, and many choose to follow California's stricter rules nationally rather than manage separate compliance systems. This can benefit residents in other states without formal deletion laws.
Your best move involves a two-step approach. First, request removal from major people-search sites directly. Spokeo, BeenVerified, and Whitepages all offer opt-out processes on their websites. This typically works within weeks. Second, contact data brokers who may have your information. The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse maintains a list of the largest data brokers. Send written requests or use their online forms.
The California law closes a major gap. Previously, many people-search sites ignored deletion