In the complex realm of data protection, it’s critical for organizations to be up to date with the specific PII definitions used by the individual states. Understanding the nuances of each state’s approach allows organizations to tailor their strategies, ensuring both ongoing compliance and the opportunity for an effective response if a data breach occurs.
State-Specific PII Definitions
Each state in the US has its unique set of laws and regulations governing the definition of Personally identifiable information (PII). For instance, California’s definition of PII extends beyond the usual identifiers to include information such as medical records, health insurance information, and unique biometric data, while many other states focus on only the more traditional identifiers like Social Security numbers and financial account details.
Understanding these distinctions is important for organizations as they shape their data protection policies. A comprehensive approach involves not only complying with federal laws but also tailoring strategies to align with the nuanced definitions set forth by the states where they operate.
Here are some states with unique considerations for PII.
- Massachusetts:
- Massachusetts has specific regulations that define personal information as a resident’s first and last name or first initial and last name in combination with one or more of the following: Social Security number, driver’s license number, or financial account number.
- New York:
- New York’s definition of PII includes an individual’s first name or first initial and last name combined with one or more data elements, including Social Security number, driver’s license number, and financial account information.
- Texas:
- Texas has a comprehensive definition of PII, covering an individual’s first name or first initial and last name combined with sensitive information like Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and financial account numbers.
- Florida:
- Florida defines PII as an individual’s first name or first initial and last name, in combination with one or more of the following: Social Security number, driver’s license or identification card number, and financial account information.
- Illinois:
- Illinois includes a person’s first name or first initial and last name combined with sensitive information like Social Security number, driver’s license or state identification card number, and financial account information in its definition of PII.
- California:
- California’s definition of PII is broad and includes not only traditional identifiers such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and financial account information, but also unique personal identifiers, such as biometric data, medical records, and online identifiers.
Navigating the complex landscape of state-specific personally identifiable information (PII) definitions is essential for businesses. By staying informed about the nuances and variations across different states, organizations can ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, mitigate risks, and be prepared to respond in the event of a data breach. For data privacy and data breach response support, contact Baer Reed today.
Mr. Reyes graduated with honors from the Ateneo de Manila University, where he received the Procter and Gamble Student Excellence Award. He obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila School of Law. During law school, Mr. Reyes was part of the Philippine delegation to the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot held in Vienna, Austria. He was also a member of the Ateneo Society of International Law and the St. Thomas More Debate Society. He completed his internship at the Public Attorney’s Office. He wrote a thesis entitled: “To Kill A White Elephant: An Analysis of the Fiduciary Exception to the Corporate Attorney-Client Privilege”. Mr. Reyes is admitted to practice law in the Philippines and the State of New York.
Ms. Lardizabal-Manzano is a graduate of San Sebastian College-Recoletos, where she earned her B.A. in Political Science. In 2003, she received her law degree from Lyceum of the Philippines and was admitted to practice law in 2004.
Matthew Hersh earned a B.A. in Political Science from Columbia University in 1990 and graduated cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 1999. He also holds a master’s degree in international relations from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.
Cap. Avi Levak (Res. IDF) graduated from from Israel’s prestigious Ben-Gurion University of the Negev with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics. He is also a Leadership and Communication coach trained in TuT coaching by Alon gal in Israel. Avi specializes in high-level, in-depth analysis of business and client needs, within systems and software strategy and architecture.
Ms. Tyler graduated cum laude from Georgetown University and received her law degree, cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center. During law school, she interned at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. She also worked on The Tax Lawyer journal and was a member of the award-winning Barristers’ Council Mock Trial Team. Ms. Tyler is admitted to practice law in the State of California and the District of Columbia.
Ms. Cruz-Anonuevo graduated cum laude and top nine in her batch from Miriam College with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in InternationalStudies. She obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Ateneo de Manila University School of Law in Rockwell. During law school, she interned in Rivera, Santos, Maranan & Associates. She was also part of Ateneo’s Labor Law Bar Operations. She wrote her thesis on, “Stealing Privacy: Limitations on Media’s Photographic Invasion.,” Ms. Cruz-Anonuevo is admitted to practice law in the Philippines.
Ms. Aquino-Batallones obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Development Studies (with Minors in Global Politics and Hispanic Studies) from the Ateneo de Manila University. In 2011, she received her Juris Doctor degree from Ateneo de Manila University School of Law. During law school, she interned at Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles then became an intern of Ateneo Legal Services Center’s Clinical Legal Education Program.
Mr. De Guzman graduated from San Beda College with a degree of Bachelor of Arts Major in Economics and received his law degree from San Beda College of Law. He is multilingual and is fluent in three languages: Chinese, Filipino, and English. He was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2003.