New Yorkers will now have stronger personal data protections as six new laws were signed by Gov. Hochul in December, ranging from quicker notification of data breaches to better protections for New Yorkers using online dating services.
“New Yorkers should never have to worry about their personal information being misused or falling into the wrong hands,” Hochul said. “With this legislative package, we are taking bold action to hold companies accountable, strengthen protections, and give consumers the transparency and security they need and deserve.”
Here’s what to know about the newly passed laws.
Social media companies required to post terms of service for platforms
Social media companies in New York have to post terms of service for each social media platform they own or operate, submit terms of service reports to the attorney general and provide remedies for violations. With this legislation, companies are liable for civil penalties of up to $15,000 per violation per day.
The law will take effect in June, 180 days after it’s been signed.
Strengthening protections of medical and health insurance information
The definition of identity theft has been expanded to include medical and health insurance information, further protecting the information from identity theft.
The law will take effect in March, 90 days after it’s been signed.
Preventing cyberattacks with better security features
When purchasing personal computing goods, services and solutions, state agencies are required to meet the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework in order to prevent cyberattacks.
The law will take effect in March, 90 days after it’s been signed.
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Quicker data breach notifications
Businesses in New York must provide data breach notifications within 30 days of a breach and include the state Department of Financial Services in the notification process of breaches that affect any New York residents.
The law will take effect immediately.
Banning debt collectors from using online contact information
Debt collectors can no longer use online contact information found on social media websites to collect on a New Yorker’s debt.
The law will take effect immediately.
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Better protections for New Yorkers using online dating services
Online dating services will need to disclose important information about banned members to its New York members in a timely manner and notify its New York members when there’s a significant change to their account information.
The law will take effect in February, 60 days after it’s been signed.
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: New consumer protection laws in New York: What you need to know