California SSN and Encryption

[Donald ramsbottom]

Below is a snippet from E Commerce Law Week.

The problem of identity theft is via Social Security Numbers is getting so
bad new laws mandating encryption of transmission of neumbers.

"California Law Curbs Release of Social Security Numbers, Mandates Encryption 
Aiming to curb the fast-rising rate of identity theft, a new California
law, effective July 1, requires Internet transmission of Social Security
numbers (SSNs) to be encrypted and bans private companies from disclosing
SSNs.   The law does not apply to state or local agencies.  Under the new
law, an individual may not be asked to transmit his or her SSN over the
Internet unless the connection is secure or the SSN is encrypted.
Moreover, individuals cannot be required to use their SSNs to access
Internet Web sites unless additional authentication (e.g., a password or
unique personal identification number) is also required for access.  The
California law also (i) bans the public posting or display of an
individual's SSN in any manner; (ii) bans printing an individual's SSN on
any identification card required to access products or services; and (iii)
bans printing an individual's SSN on any materials that are mailed to the
individual, unless otherwise required by law.  The California law can be
found at
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=civ&group=01001-02000&
file=1798.85."



Donald Ramsbottom BA LLb (Hons) PGdip
Ramsbottom & Co Solicitors
Internet and Global Encryption Law Specialists & General UK  Law Matters
5 Seagrove Avenue Hayling Island Hampshire UK
Tel (44) 023 9246 5931 Fax (44) 023 9246 8349
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