Legislation was introduced into Congress this week that would establish a national data privacy law. The bill would require businesses to disclose to consumers any breaches that result in the exposure of personal information.
The legislation is a reaction to the massive security breaches that have occurred over the last year. In the most notable breach, over 40 million credit card numbers were exposed in a security breach involving CardSystems, an online processor. LexisNexis, Bank of America and other corporate entities have also suffered breaches exposing the personal information of millions of individuals.
Under the new legislation, businesses exposing the personal information of more than 1,000 individuals would be required to notify the individuals. Failure to comply with the law would result in penalties of up to $11 million per incident. Interestingly, the legislation would bar businesses and schools from putting Social Security numbers on any form of identification.
Upon receiving notice, consumers would be allowed to put a notice on their credit reports, which would prevent any company from providing new credit under their name. This would effectively stop thieves from opening new credit accounts with the stolen information.
Will It Pass?
The new legislation has a very good chance of becoming federal law. Sponsored by two Republicans and two Democrats, the bill appears to have bipartisan support. Avoiding the vicious partisan politics on Capital Hill is half the battle for any legislation.
Corporate America also appears to be getting behind the bill. Although this might seem surprising at first, there is a good reason. States including California, Washington and Georgia have already enacted similar laws, but each requires different actions. A federal law, however, will trump all of the state laws and create a uniform requirement for businesses. From a practical standpoint, Corporate America would prefer one standard instead of many.
The new bipartisan legislation is a welcome step in the effort to fight identity theft. Many more steps, however, will be required. You should continue to closely review your credit card statements and credit reports for any unauthorized charges.
Richard Chapo is the lead attorney for the law firm http://www.sandiegobusinesslawfirm.com - a firm providing legal advice to California businesses. Visit http://www.sandiegobusinesslawfirm.com to read more business law articles.
limousine airport Glendale Heights .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareRecently the Los Angeles Transit workers are on Strike and... Read More
The original vulgarity was bylined: ?The Constipation of America's Mid-East... Read More
With new environmental technologies and modern efficiency methods in mining... Read More
If someone wanted to farm future clones they would need... Read More
The Presidents Before Washington:From the moment that the first Declaration... Read More
I've been thinking again. I know some of my readers... Read More
Telemarketing and DO NOT CALL lists sure made headlines, but... Read More
Most politicians are completely out to lunch and totally Machiavellian... Read More
Streamlining Homeland Security with a Free market flair? An idea... Read More
PolicyFederal Fair Housing accessibility requirements for new multifamily buildings should... Read More
Commission for Africa (CFA), one is made to understand is... Read More
When organising a country or a group of people in... Read More
We are seeing some trade wars brewing as American trade... Read More
As baby boomers, we have been spoiled all of our... Read More
I always have to remember to take a deep breath... Read More
MUD ? Much Unnecessary DisclosureThe Federal Trade Commission recently asserted... Read More
As pictures and videos surface showing young American soldiers humiliating... Read More
IT'S NO LONGER NEWS THAT CHINA IS BECOMING A MAJOR... Read More
"It is the duty of every citizen according to his... Read More
In the future when we decide to help nations vote... Read More
The plight of whistleblowers ? those employees who sound the... Read More
We need a government that can be as responsive to... Read More
1) IS HAVING A DEMOCRACY MORE EFFECTIVE IN ADDRESSING POLITICAL... Read More
The end of another election once again brings into focus... Read More
A friend of mine, who lives in the thick of... Read More
Lincoln Stretch rentals Willowbrook ..THE ECCLESIASTICAL GRANT:There are good things done by the hegemony.... Read More
Just as everyone has breathed a sigh of relief at... Read More
Aspartame activists are constantly being attacked because all data are... Read More
Maybe some of the people complaining ought to go to... Read More
Many are quick to point out the benefits of religion... Read More
It appears we are having a terrible situation with the... Read More
When this president's father was in the Oval Office, he... Read More
The process of researching this topic has been an interesting... Read More
When organising a country or a group of people in... Read More
Submiting the Criminals to The ICC!Everybody concerns about justice in... Read More
With people living longer we have some problems as those... Read More
Aren't you glad you purchased Alaska? You got a bargain,... Read More
For the business community 9-11 changed everything. In our company,... Read More
This is the beginning of the end for the man... Read More
The predominant discussion in the Indianapolis media over the proposed... Read More
Using Harmonic Beams to Pre-Detonate Shoulder Launched Surface to Air... Read More
Well having studying the need for decreasing America's dependence on... Read More
Previously Senator Dick Armey and his staff in 2000 to... Read More
The official working week is being reduced to 35 hours... Read More
As the populations expand in Colorado outside of Denver, Las... Read More
The man on the tape raised his hand, pointing a... Read More
The price at the gas pump is certainly on everyone's... Read More
Former Governor of Alaska, Jay Hammond, died at age 83,... Read More
The great people of the United States of America deserve... Read More
One way to increase evaporation in the ocean might be... Read More
Political |