New York Enacts New Privacy Law Regarding Social Security Numbers
New York has joined (among others) New Jersey by adopting tighter restrictions regarding employers' use and maintenance of employee social security numbers and personal identifying information. The new law, which goes into effect on January 3, 2009, prohibits employers from publicly displaying or posting an employee's social security number, printing a social security number on any identification badge or card (including time cards), placing a social security number in files with unrestricted access, or using a social security number as an identification number for purposes of occupational licensing. Employers are further prohibited from communicating an employee's personal information (defined as social security number, home address or telephone number, personal e-mail address, Internet ID name or password, parent's maiden name, or drivers' license number) to the general public. Violating these requirements, or failing to establish appropriate safeguarding and notification policies or procedures, can result in a civil penalties.
