What You Need to Know About Maryland’s Notice of Restricted Information

Maryland has recently implemented a new law known as the Notice of Restricted Information, which has raised concerns among businesses and individuals regarding their private data. The law, which was enacted on October 1, 2019, aims to safeguard personally identifiable information (PII) and restrict public access to certain information.

One of the key provisions of the Notice of Restricted Information is that it requires businesses, government agencies, and individuals to take reasonable measures to protect sensitive personal data. This includes data such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, bank account information, and date of birth. Businesses that fail to comply with the law can face hefty fines and legal repercussions.

Another aspect of the law is that it limits the number of requests for publicly available personal information. Under the Notice of Restricted Information, individuals may request that their PII be removed from certain public records, such as property tax records or voter registration lists. This helps to prevent identity theft and safeguard individuals’ privacy.

While the Notice of Restricted Information has been praised for its efforts to protect personal data, it has also been met with criticism. Some argue that the law is too broad and vague, creating confusion around what exactly constitutes “reasonable measures” to protect data. Additionally, opponents of the law argue that it could impede government transparency by limiting public access to information.

Despite the mixed reactions to the law, it is clear that the Notice of Restricted Information is an important step in protecting personal data in Maryland. Businesses and individuals alike must take measures to comply with the law, from implementing new data security protocols to removing PII from public records upon request. By doing so, we can better ensure the safety and privacy of our personal information.