Episode 77: Tom Kemp & Tony Ficarrotta on California’s Delete Act, Data Brokers & Privacy Law

At the NAI Summit 2026, Tony Ficarrotta, VP and General Counsel of the NAI, sat down with Tom Kemp, Executive Director of CalPrivacy, for an in-depth discussion on the California Delete Act, the DROP platform, data broker regulation, opt-out preference signals, privacy enforcement, and the future of federal privacy legislation. They explore how California is making privacy rights easier to exercise for consumers, the challenges of balancing innovation with consumer protection, and what businesses should expect from the next wave of privacy regulation. More info on the NAI at https://thenai.org/ More info on CalPrivacy at https://privacy.ca.gov/about-us/ More info on the Chapell Regulatory Insider at https://chapellreport.substack.com/ Takeaways Former Silicon Valley entrepreneur and cybersecurity founder Tom Kemp now leads CalPrivacy as Executive Director. CalPrivacy aims to make privacy rights easier to exercise for consumers through tools like DROP and browser-based opt-out signals. California is developing a centralized system for consumers to request data deletion from registered brokers. The agency handles enforcement, rulemaking, audits, education, advocacy, and the data broker registry. Kemp opposes federal laws that could override stronger state privacy protections. California is expanding browser-based privacy controls while prioritizing consumer intent. Key focuses include audits, consumer education, streamlined compliance, and alignment with other state privacy laws. Chapters00:00 Introduction & Special NAI Summit Interview01:38 Meet Tom Kemp: From Entrepreneur to CalPrivacy Director08:49 Why Tom Kemp Wrote His Book on Big Tech & Privacy14:01 Why Privacy Matters and the Risks of Personal Data Misuse18:32 What Makes CalPrivacy Different From Other Regulators?24:30 California Privacy Legislation and Current Policy Priorities29:22 AB 1542 and the Debate Over Sensitive Data Sales36:38 Expanding the Delete Act Beyond California40:28 Federal Privacy Law and the Secure Data Act Debate46:39 Opt-Out Preference Signals and Consumer Choice at Scale57:03 Privacy Regulation, Competition, and Browser Influence01:02:08 The Future of California Privacy Regulation01:04:23 Building CalPrivacy’s Next Chapter01:07:54 Closing Remarks & Preview of Next Episode Guests: Alan Chapell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices