Josh Becker

Stories

California's one-stop data-deletion system starts enforcing against brokers

As of September 2026: Wrote the 2023 law that created DROP

California's one-stop data-deletion platform, the Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform (DROP), closed its first 45-day enforcement cycle on September 15. The agency has already fined two firms that ignored the law: LocateSmarter $116,490 and Cybba $52,400.

Updated Sep 29

California wildfire liability deal collapses as Assembly kills vote

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Disappointed bill failed; says he will keep working

A hard-won compromise to reshape California's wildfire liability system collapsed on the final day of the legislative session. The state Assembly never brought Senate Bill 492 to a vote, after PG&E and Southern California Edison warned the deal could push them into bankruptcy.

Updated Sep 4

Notable Quotes

Becker said the governor's signature "enshrines California as a leader in consumer privacy."

from California's one-stop data-deletion system starts enforcing against brokers · Updated Sep 29

This bill was a balanced and meaningful first step with the understanding that we would continue working on the larger structural issues next year.

from California wildfire liability deal collapses as Assembly kills vote · Updated Sep 4