201 CMR 17.02
Definitions
The following words as used in 201 CMR 17.00 shall, unless the context requires otherwise,
have the following meanings:
Breach of Security, the unauthorized acquisition or unauthorized use of unencrypted data or,
encrypted electronic data and the confidential process or key that is capable of compromising the
security, confidentiality, or integrity of personal information, maintained by a person or agency
that creates a substantial risk of identity theft or fraud against a resident of the commonwealth.
A good faith but unauthorized acquisition of personal information by a person or agency, or
employee or agent thereof, for the lawful purposes of such person or agency, is not a breach of
security unless the personal information is used in an unauthorized manner or subject to further
unauthorized disclosure.
Electronic, relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical,
electromagnetic or similar capabilities.
Encrypted, the transformation of data into a form in which meaning cannot be assigned without
the use of a confidential process or key.
Owns or Licenses, receives, stores, maintains, processes, or otherwise has access to personal
information in connection with the provision of goods or services or in connection with
employment.
Person, a natural person, corporation, association, partnership or other legal entity, other than
an agency, executive office, department, board, commission, bureau, division or authority of the
Commonwealth, or any of its branches, or any political subdivision thereof.
Personal Information, a Massachusetts resident's first name and last name or first initial and last
name in combination with any one or more of the following data elements that relate to such
resident:
(a) Social Security number;
(b) driver's license number or state-issued identification card number; or
17.02: continued
(c) financial account number, or credit or debit card number, with or without any required
security code, access code, personal identification number or password, that would permit
access to a resident's financial account; provided, however, that "Personal information" shall
not include information that is lawfully obtained from publicly available information, or from
federal, state or local government records lawfully made available to the general public.
Record or Records, any material upon which written, drawn, spoken, visual, or electromagnetic
information or images are recorded or preserved, regardless of physical form or characteristics.
Service Provider, any person that receives, stores, maintains, processes, or otherwise is
permitted access to personal information through its provision of services directly to a person
that is subject to 201 CMR 17.00.