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Pennsylvania

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

Quick Facts

Breach Based on Harm Threshold: YES
Deadline for Consumer Notice: Without unreasonable delay
Government Notification Required: NO

2005 Pa. Laws 474 (unofficially consolidated in 73 P.S. §§ 2301–2329 (West 2019))

More Details

Scope of this Summary

Notification requirements applicable to entities conduct business in the state and maintain, store or manage 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 financial 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 Only.

Encryption Safe Harbor

Statute does not apply to information that is encrypted or redacted, so long as encryption key was not accessed or acquired.

Breach Defined

Unauthorized access and acquisition that materially compromises the security or confidentiality of the covered info, excluding certain good faith acquisitions by employees or agents.

Consumer Notice

Timing: Must be made without unreasonable delay taking any necessary measures to determine the scope of the breach and to reasonably restore the integrity of the system.

Content: If notice is given by telephone, it must be clear and conspicuous, describe the incident in general terms, verify the resident's covered info but does not require the resident to provide the covered info to the entity, and provides a telephone number or Internet website to visit for further information or assistance.

Method: By written notice (to the last known home address), by telephone notice (if the consumer can be reasonably expected to receive it), or by email notice (if a prior business relationship exists and the entity has a valid email address). Substitute notice is available if certain criteria are satisfied.

Delayed Notice

Notification may be delayed if law enforcement determines and advises the covered entity in writing specifically referencing this section that notification will impede a criminal or civil investigation.

Harm Threshold

Notification not required if the covered entity reasonably believes that the breach has not and will not cause loss or injury to any Pennsylvania resident.

Consumer Reporting Agency Notice

If more than 1,000 residents are notified, must notify all nationwide CRAs without unreasonable delay of timing, distribution and number of consumer notices.

Third-Party Notice

If you maintain store or manage covered info on behalf of another entity, you must notify them following discovery of a breach.

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 28, 2019

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