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Can I use third-party customer service tools that collect personal information in South Carolina? What are the requirements?
Use of Third-Party Customer Service Tools that Collect Personal Information in South Carolina
Based on the provided context documents, there are no specific regulations or requirements in South Carolina that prohibit the use of third-party customer service tools that collect personal information. However, companies that collect personal information are subject to the South Carolina Insurance Data Security Act [2.2], which requires licensees to conduct prompt investigations of cybersecurity events and maintain records concerning all cybersecurity events for a period of at least five years from the date of the cybersecurity event. Additionally, companies must comply with the Accuracy of caller identification information required; exceptions [3.1], which prohibits the display of misleading, false, or inaccurate caller identification information on the receiving party’s telephone or otherwise circumvent caller identification technology that allows the receiving party to identify from what phone number, location, or organization the call or text message has originated from or misrepresent the origin and nature of the call or text message.
It is important to note that companies that collect personal information must comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding the collection, use, and protection of personal information. Companies should also have a privacy policy that discloses the types of personal information collected, how the information is used, and how it is protected.
In summary, while there are no specific regulations or requirements in South Carolina that prohibit the use of third-party customer service tools that collect personal information, companies must comply with the South Carolina Insurance Data Security Act and the Accuracy of caller identification information required; exceptions. Companies must also comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding the collection, use, and protection of personal information.
Confidentiality of Information Furnished by Licensees
Documents, materials, or other information in the control or possession of the department that are furnished by a licensee or an employee or agent acting on behalf of a licensee, or obtained by the director in an investigation or examination are confidential by law and privileged [2.1].
Collection and Maintenance of Records Containing Social Security Numbers by Public Agencies
Public bodies, as defined in Section 30-1-10(B), may not collect a social security number or any portion of it containing six digits or more from an individual unless authorized by law to do so or unless the collection of the social security number is otherwise imperative for the performance of that body’s duties and responsibilities as prescribed by law [4.1].
Customer Deposits
Each telephone utility may require from any customer or from any prospective customer, a deposit intended to guarantee payment of bills for regulated service, if any of the following conditions exist: 1. The customer has had two 30-day arrearages in the past 24 months, or the customer has been sent two or more late payment notices in the past 9 months; or 2. A new customer cannot furnish either an acceptable co-signer or guarantor who is a customer of the utility within the State of South Carolina to guarantee payment; or 3. The customer’s gross monthly billing increases; or 4. A customer has had his service terminated by any telephone utility for non-payment or fraudulent use; or 5. The utility determines, through use of commercially acceptable methods, that the customer’s credit and financial condition so warrants [1.5].
Therefore, to use third-party customer service tools that collect personal information in South Carolina, companies must comply with the South Carolina Insurance Data Security Act, the Accuracy of caller identification information required; exceptions, and all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding the collection, use, and protection of personal information.
Source(s):
- [2.1] Use of documents, materials, and other information furnished by licensees.
- [3.1] Accuracy of caller identification information required; exceptions.
- [4.1] Collection of and maintenance and disposition of records containing social security numbers by public agencies.
- [2.2] Investigation of cybersecurity events; records.
- [1.5] Customer Deposits.
Jurisdiction
South Carolina