Addressing the Challenges of Exercising Consumer Privacy Rights with Data Brokers: Emory Roane, Privacy Rights Clearinghouse

The California Consumer Privacy Act has been a groundbreaking step in giving consumers more control over their personal information. However, the process of actually exercising these privacy rights can be daunting, especially when it comes to data brokers who operate behind the scenes.

Emory Roane from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse highlights the challenges that consumers face when trying to navigate the world of data brokers. With hundreds or even thousands of these entities buying and selling personal information, it can be nearly impossible for individuals to track down and request the deletion of their data.

In response to these challenges, the Delete Act has been proposed to streamline the process of exercising privacy rights with data brokers. This legislation would shift the registration requirement for data brokers to the California Privacy Protection Agency, a dedicated privacy enforcer. By 2026, the agency would create a mechanism for consumers to easily request the deletion of their personal information from all registered brokers.

This mechanism would allow individuals to visit the agency’s website and, in just a few minutes and at no cost, request the deletion of their data from every broker on the list. Brokers would be required to delete this information every 45 days and cease selling or sharing it indefinitely unless the consumer decides otherwise.

The Delete Act aims to empower consumers and hold data brokers accountable for the handling of personal information. By providing a more efficient and effective way to exercise privacy rights, this legislation could significantly impact the way data is managed and shared in the digital age.