David M. Brown of Baker Hostetler writes:
On Jan. 10, 2019, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed legislation that will significantly amend the state’s data breach notification law. The amendments become effective on April 11, 2019.
One of the significant changes includes a new requirement to provide an offer of complimentary credit monitoring for “a period of not less than 18 months” when the data security incident involves a Massachusetts resident’s Social Security number. With this new obligation, Massachusetts joins Connecticut and Delaware as states that require an offer of complimentary credit monitoring when the incident involves a resident’s Social Security number. There was no update to the timing of any required individual notice obligations, which remains “as soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay”; but the new amendments require a rolling notification to individuals under certain circumstances: “A notice provided pursuant to this section shall not be delayed on grounds that the total number of residents affected is not yet ascertained. In such case, and where otherwise necessary to update or correct the information required, a person or agency shall provide additional notice as soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay upon learning such additional information.” Additionally, the notice to individuals must now identify the name of the parent or affiliated corporation if the organization that experienced a breach of security is owned by another person or corporation.
Read more on Data Privacy Monitor.