Secretary Addresses Data Sharing Practices of DMV and Public Safety Departments
May 16, 2025 | Environment & Energy, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
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During a recent joint hearing held by the Vermont House Energy and Digital Infrastructure and Senate Institutions, significant discussions emerged regarding data privacy and security within state agencies. The meeting, which took place on May 15, 2025, highlighted the current practices surrounding the sale and sharing of data, particularly focusing on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and public safety departments.
A key point raised was the limited visibility that the Agency of Digital Services (ADS) has over data transactions. The Secretary confirmed that, to their knowledge, the DMV and public safety are the only two entities where data is sold or shared. However, concerns were expressed about the potential for individual departments to engage in data sharing without ADS oversight. The Secretary emphasized that while ADS has implemented numerous safeguards to prevent unauthorized data access, there remains a risk that some agencies could operate outside of their purview.
The discussion also touched on the importance of contract management in ensuring data privacy. The Secretary noted that they personally review contracts related to data usage, asserting that there are no provisions allowing for data sales in the contracts they oversee. This includes contracts for services such as transportation for individuals in state custody, which were scrutinized for any language that might permit data sharing.
Furthermore, the hearing explored the need for standardized language in contracts to explicitly prohibit the sharing of public information. The Secretary assured attendees that attachments within contracts enforce restrictions on data access and outline breach policies, reinforcing the state's commitment to data security.
As Vermont continues to navigate the complexities of data management, the discussions from this hearing underscore the ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and security in state operations. The implications of these conversations are significant, as they aim to protect citizens' privacy while ensuring that state agencies operate within established guidelines. Moving forward, the state plans to implement a new system, Workday, which is expected to improve visibility and management of data across various departments.
A key point raised was the limited visibility that the Agency of Digital Services (ADS) has over data transactions. The Secretary confirmed that, to their knowledge, the DMV and public safety are the only two entities where data is sold or shared. However, concerns were expressed about the potential for individual departments to engage in data sharing without ADS oversight. The Secretary emphasized that while ADS has implemented numerous safeguards to prevent unauthorized data access, there remains a risk that some agencies could operate outside of their purview.
The discussion also touched on the importance of contract management in ensuring data privacy. The Secretary noted that they personally review contracts related to data usage, asserting that there are no provisions allowing for data sales in the contracts they oversee. This includes contracts for services such as transportation for individuals in state custody, which were scrutinized for any language that might permit data sharing.
Furthermore, the hearing explored the need for standardized language in contracts to explicitly prohibit the sharing of public information. The Secretary assured attendees that attachments within contracts enforce restrictions on data access and outline breach policies, reinforcing the state's commitment to data security.
As Vermont continues to navigate the complexities of data management, the discussions from this hearing underscore the ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and security in state operations. The implications of these conversations are significant, as they aim to protect citizens' privacy while ensuring that state agencies operate within established guidelines. Moving forward, the state plans to implement a new system, Workday, which is expected to improve visibility and management of data across various departments.
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