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Massachusetts

See the Summary of U.S. State Data Breach Maps

Quick Facts

Breach Based on Harm Threshold: YES
Deadline for Consumer Notice: As soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay
Government Notification Required: YES

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 93H, §§ 1- 6

More Details

Scope of this Summary

Notification requirements applicable to persons, including businesses, that own, license, maintain or store covered info. Some types of businesses may be exempt from some or all of these requirements and non-commercial entities may be subject to different requirements.

Covered Info

First name or first initial and last name, plus: Social Security number; driver's license or state identification card number; or account, credit card or debit card number in combination with any required security or access code or password that would permit access to a resident's financial account.

Form of Covered Info

Electronic or Paper.

Encryption Safe Harbor

Statute does not apply to information that is encrypted, so long as encryption key was not compromised.

Breach Defined

Unauthorized acquisition or use of covered info that creates a substantial risk of identity theft or fraud against a resident, excluding certain good faith acquisitions by employees or agents.

Consumer Notice

Timing: Must be made as soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay when covered entity knows or has reason to know a breach or other unauthorized acquisition or use of covered info has occurred.

Content: Notice must include information about resident's right to obtain a police report, how to request a security freeze, and any fees required to be paid to any CRAs for a security freeze. Notification must not include the nature of the incident or the number of residents affected by the incident.

Method: By written notice or electronic notice (if consistent with E-SIGN and Mass. Gen Laws ch 110G). Substitute notice is available if certain criteria are satisfied.

Delayed Notice

Notification may be delayed if law enforcement determines notice may impede a criminal investigation and notifies the Attorney General in writing. The entity must cooperate with law enforcement, including sharing information relevant to the incident.

Harm Threshold

Notification not required if the breach does not create a substantial risk of identity theft or fraud against a resident.

Government Notice

Must notify the Attorney General and the Director of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation as soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay. Notice must include the nature of the incident, the number of residents affected and any steps the entity has taken or plans to take relating to the incident.

Consumer Reporting Agency Notice

Following receipt of notice, the Director of OCABR may, at their discretion, respond to the covered entity by identifying relevant CRAs or other state agencies that must also receive notice as soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay. The notice must include the same content as required in the notice to the AG.

Third-Party Notice

If you maintain covered info on behalf of another entity, you must notify them as soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay when you know or have reason to know of a breach or other unauthorized acquisition or use of covered info. Must also cooperate with owner or licensor of the covered info (including specific disclosure obligations).

Potential Penalties

Violations may result in civil penalties.

This summary is for informational purposes only. It provides general information and not legal advice or opinions regarding specific facts. Additional requirements or conditions may apply to any or all provisions referenced herein. For more information about the state data breach notification laws or other data security matters, please seek the advice of counsel.

Last revised on July 26, 2019

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