New York Social Security Number Protection Law

The New York Social Security Number Protection Law went into effect on January 3, 2009.  Under New York Labor Law §203-d:

Employers may not, unless otherwise required by law:

1. Publicly post or display an employee’s SSN;
2. Visibly print a SSN on any ID badge or card, including time card;
3. Place a SSN in files with unrestricted access; or
4. Communicate an employee’s personal identifying information to the general public.

The statute broadly defines “personal identifying information” to include an employee’s SSN, home address or phone number, personal e-mail address, Internet ID or password, parent’s surname prior to marriage, or driver’s license number