New Jersey § 56:8-161

Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 56:8-161, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 56:8-161.

As used in sections 10 through 15 of P.L.2005, c. 226 ( C.56:8-161 through C.56:8-166 ) : “ Breach of security ” means unauthorized access to electronic files, media or data containing personal

information that compromises the security, confidentiality or integrity of personal

information when access to the personal information has not been secured by encryption

or by any other method or technology that renders the personal information unreadable

or unusable. Good faith acquisition of personal information by an employee or agent of the business

for a legitimate business purpose is not a breach of security, provided that the personal

information is not used for a purpose unrelated to the business or subject to further

unauthorized disclosure. “ Business ” means a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, or other entity,

however organized and whether or not organized to operate at a profit, including a

financial institution organized, chartered, or holding a license or authorization

certificate under the law of this State, any other state, the United States, or of

any other country, or the parent or the subsidiary of a financial institution. “ Communicate ” means to send a written or other tangible record or to transmit a record by any

means agreed upon by the persons sending and receiving the record. “ Customer ” means an individual who provides personal information to a business. “ Individual ” means a natural person. “ Internet ” means the international computer network of both federal and non-federal interoperable

packet switched data networks. “ Personal information ” means an individual's first name or first initial and last name linked with any

one or more of the following data elements: (1) Social Security number; (2) driver's

license number or State identification card number; (3) account number or credit or debit card number, in combination with any required

security code, access code, or password that would permit access to an individual's

financial account ; or (4) user name, email address, or any other account holder identifying information,

in combination with any password or security question and answer that would permit

access to an online account . Dissociated data that, if linked, would constitute personal information is personal

information if the means to link the dissociated data were accessed in connection

with access to the dissociated data. For the purposes of sections 10 through 15 of P.L.2005, c. 226 ( C.56:8-161 through C.56:8-166 ) , personal information shall not include publicly available information that is lawfully

made available to the general public from federal, state or local government records,

or widely distributed media. “ Private entity ” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or other

entity, other than a public entity. “ Public entity ” includes the State, and any county, municipality, district, public authority, public

agency, and any other political subdivision or public body in the State. For the purposes of sections 10 through 15 of P.L.2005, c. 226 ( C.56:8-161 through C.56:8-166 ) , public entity does not include the federal government. “ Publicly post ” or “ publicly display ” means to intentionally communicate or otherwise make available to the general public. “ Records ” means any material, regardless of the physical form, on which information is recorded

or preserved by any means, including written or spoken words, graphically depicted,

printed, or electromagnetically transmitted. Records does not include publicly available directories containing information an

individual has voluntarily consented to have publicly disseminated or listed.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 56:8-161

What does New Jersey Statutes § 56:8-161 cover?

Section 56:8-161 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New Jersey § 56:8-161?

A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 56:8-161" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New Jersey law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.

How does New Jersey § 56:8-161 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.