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Young people in Georgia on the brink of reshaping political landscape; Garland faces down GOP attacks over Hunter Biden inquiry; rural Iowa declared 'ambulance desert.'

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McConnell warns government shutdowns are "a loser for Republicans," Schumer takes action to sidestep Sen. Tuberville's opposition to military appointments, and advocates call on Connecticut governor to upgrade election infrastructure.

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An Indigenous project in South Dakota seeks to protect tribal data sovereignty, advocates in North Carolina are pushing back against attacks on public schools, and Arkansas wants the hungriest to have access to more fruits and veggies.

Maryland Reaches Settlements with Experian over Data Breaches

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Monday, November 21, 2022   

The state of Maryland has entered into multiple settlements with Experian over data breaches.

The Maryland Attorney General's Office along with those in 39 other states announced two separate settlements with Experian and a subsidiary recently over the companies' handling of personal information. Experian failed to notify customers regarding data breaches in 2010 and 2015.

As part of the settlement, Experian has paid penalties and agreed to improve its data handling and security.

Brian Frosh, Attorney General, said to ensure the new methods are effective, Experian will hire outside firms to audit its data practices.

"There will be monitors in place whom they will hire to look over their shoulders who will be looking at how they're doing and what they're doing," Frosh explained.

Experian did not respond to our request for comment.

A few states have enacted comprehensive data privacy laws. Maryland's Personal Information Protection Act is not comprehensive but has been strengthened since it was implemented in 2008. Now the law mandates data aggregators such as Experian notify customers about data breaches within 10 days of discovery.

When asked if Congress and state legislatures should enact more strict data protection and privacy laws, Frosh said yes, and pointed to biometric data.

"You can now get your DNA tested. It goes into a database somewhere. It may be sold to other entities," Frosh outlined. "We think that should be included among the things that are protected within the scope of the personal information that people need to take special care of."

The settlement requires Experian to offer affected consumers five years of free credit monitoring services. For more info on data privacy and security, in addition to other services for consumers, visit the Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit website.


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