David M. Stauss and Gregory Szewczyk of Ballard Spahr LLP write: In the absence of federal action, state legislators continue to propose bills that would increase data privacy and security protections for consumers. Any entity that does business in these states or maintains confidential information of their residents should monitor the legislation to determine whether and how…
Category: State/Local
“Misguided” hacking bill threatens to ice security researchers, say critics
Lisa Vaas reports: The US state of Georgia is considering anti-hacking legislation that critics fear could criminalize security researchers. The bill, SB 315, was drawn up by state senator Bruce Thompson in January, has been approved by the state’s senate, and is now being considered by its house of representatives. The bill would expand the…
Sweeping Georgia cybercrime bill would target ‘snoopers’
AP reports: Lying about your weight on an online dating site? Checking out who won the Falcons game from your work computer? Using your computer hacking knowledge as an “ethical hacker?” Those actions may become illegal if a Georgia bill gets voted into law, civil liberty advocates say. Supporters of a bill making its way…
Data breach notification bill passes in Nebraska Legislature
Martha Stoddard reports that the Nebraska legislature passed LB 757 on a 46-0 vote. The measure requires any individual or commercial entity holding personal information to implement and maintain security procedures. The same requirement would apply if the information is given to a third party. If a breach does occur, LB 757 would prohibit credit…
Update on Colorado’s Proposed Privacy and Cybersecurity Legislation
David M. Stauss and Gregory Szewczyk of Ballard Spahr LLP write: As we first reported in our January 22, 2018, alert, the Colorado legislature is considering legislation that, if enacted, would significantly change Colorado privacy and data security law. On Wednesday, February 14, 2018, the bill’s sponsors submitted an amended bill that addresses issues raised by numerous stakeholders, including Ballard…
Nebraska personal information bill wins initial approval
AP reports: A bill designed to protect consumers from identity theft has won first-round approval from Nebraska lawmakers. Senators voted 34-0 on Thursday to advance the measure to the second of three required votes. The proposal would prevent credit reporting companies from charging a fee to impose or lift a security freeze on a consumer’s…