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Massachusetts Data Security Regulations (201 CMR 17.00)

Documentation Updated: 2025-03-09

Description​

Massachusetts Data Security Regulations

The Massachusetts Data Security Regulation establishes comprehensive security standards to protect the personal data of Massachusetts residents. It requires organizations to implement robust security measures to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access. The regulation is designed to foster consumer trust by ensuring that sensitive information is safeguarded with state-of-the-art practices.

Scope & Applicability​

The regulation applies to any business that collects, stores, or processes personal data of Massachusetts residents.

  • Covered Entities: For-profit businesses, non-profits, and service providers handling personal data.
  • Data Types: Personal information, including financial, health, and other sensitive identifiers.
  • Key Exemptions: Entities that do not handle personal data or data that is fully anonymized.

Key Requirements​

Organizations must develop and maintain a written data security program that includes technical and administrative safeguards:

  • Implement strong encryption, firewalls, and access controls to protect personal data.
  • Regularly assess and update security measures to mitigate emerging risks.
  • Special Focus Areas:
    • Encryption: Data must be encrypted during transmission and storage.
    • Access Controls: Restrict access to personal data to authorized personnel only.
  • Additional Focus: Provide regular employee training and conduct periodic risk assessments.

Impact on LLM/AI Deployments​

For AI systems, ensuring compliance with MA data security standards is crucial:

  • Secure Data Handling: Integrate robust encryption and access control mechanisms within AI systems.
  • Vulnerability Management: Regularly scan and remediate vulnerabilities in AI data pipelines.
  • Compliance Integration: Embed security best practices into the AI development lifecycle.
  • Security and Observability Considerations:
    • Automated Monitoring: Use continuous monitoring tools to detect security breaches.
    • Audit Logging: Maintain detailed logs for data access and modifications.
    • Employee Training: Train teams on updated security protocols.
    • Regular Vulnerability Scans: Conduct periodic scans to identify potential risks.
    • Incident Response: Establish procedures for prompt breach detection and response.

Enforcement & Penalties​

The Massachusetts Attorney General enforces these regulations, with penalties imposed for non-compliance.

  • Enforcement Body: Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
  • Fines and Penalties:
    • Civil Penalties: Fines for each violation can be substantial.
    • Legal Actions: Non-compliance may lead to lawsuits by affected consumers.
  • Additional Enforcement Mechanisms: Mandatory audits and corrective action orders.
  • Operational Impacts: Non-compliance can lead to financial penalties, legal challenges, and diminished consumer trust.

Resources & References​