Ahead of the holidays, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislative package designed to enhance protections for consumer data, addressing the rising threats of fraud and identity theft. The newly enacted laws strengthen privacy measures, promote transparency, and improve security standards, ensuring New Yorkers can navigate the digital world with greater confidence.
“New Yorkers should never have to worry about their personal information being misused or falling into the wrong hands,” Governor 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. My administration will continue to lead the fight to protect privacy, combat fraud, and ensure every New Yorker can live and work with confidence in an increasingly digital world.”
The legislative package includes:
– Social Media Transparency: Requires social media platforms to disclose their terms of service related to hate speech and submit moderation policies to the state attorney general for public inspection.
– Medical Identity Theft Protection: Expands the definition of identity theft to include medical and insurance data, addressing a growing area of consumer vulnerability.
– Government Security Standards: Mandates that devices procured by state agencies meet National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity guidelines.
– Data Breach Notification: Establishes a 30-day deadline for businesses to notify consumers and relevant state agencies of data breaches.
– Prohibition on Social Media Debt Collection: Bans the use of social media platforms for debt collection to safeguard privacy and prevent harassment.
– Online Dating Fraud Disclosures: Requires dating platforms to notify users about interactions with fraudulent accounts or banned members.
Lawmakers emphasized the importance of these measures in addressing modern privacy challenges, combating fraud, and holding corporations accountable for consumer data security. Governor Hochul’s signing of these bills demonstrates New York’s commitment to leading the nation in online safety and consumer protection.
