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Can you summarize TNCO 47-18-2110?
Identity Theft Deterrence > Protecting social security numbers from disclosure.
Short Summary
This Tennessee law requires any person or business entity in the state, including healthcare providers, that has obtained a federal social security number for a legitimate business or governmental purpose to make reasonable efforts to protect that number from public disclosure. The law prohibits posting or displaying social security numbers in public, transmitting them over the Internet without secure connections or encryption, requiring them to log onto websites without password or authentication, printing them on materials mailed to consumers (unless required by law or for forms/applications), and printing them on checks, cards, identifications, or badges. There are exemptions for disclosures made for legitimate business or governmental purposes under contracts or legal obligations, with written permission, authorized or required by state or federal law, or to certain entities like consumer reporting agencies or financial institutions subject to privacy or anti-money laundering laws. Violations of the law can result in criminal charges and civil penalties.
Whom does it apply to?
Any person, nonprofit or for-profit business entity in Tennessee engaged in any business, including healthcare, that has obtained a federal social security number for a legitimate business or governmental purpose
What does it govern?
Protection of social security numbers from disclosure
What are exemptions?
Disclosure of a federal social security number for a legitimate business or governmental purpose pursuant to a contract or legal obligation, disclosure authorized or required by state or federal law, disclosure to consumer reporting agencies, financial institutions subject to privacy provisions, or financial institutions subject to anti-money laundering laws
What are the Penalties?
A violation of subsection (a) is a Class B misdemeanor, and in addition, it is a civil violation subject to penalties provided in the law
Jurisdiction
Tennessee