A note from Pearson VUE in honor of Data Privacy Day

A note from Pearson VUE in honor of Data Privacy Day


Thursday, January 28, 2021 is Data Privacy Day. When it comes to data privacy in the physical and online assessment world, Pearson VUE is the clear leader. We partner with our clients on new and pending legislation that could affect their programs and diligently monitor online activity.

And in honor of Data Privacy Day, Pearson VUE is providing an update about some potential new data privacy legislation in New York.

Recently, a new biometric privacy law was introduced in the state of New York which is similar to legislation passed in Illinois. The Illinois legislation produced hundreds of class action lawsuits and in some cases, it was reported that it cost IT companies hundreds of millions of dollars. Pearson VUE defended two such class action lawsuits and both were dismissed swiftly and inexpensively.

If an organization is prepared, it should be able to handle the potential private right of action in the same manner. The proposed New York legislation requires organizations to maintain a publicly available retention period specific to biometrics which states that biometric data will be destroyed “when the initial purpose for collecting  or obtaining such identifiers or information has been satisfied or within three years of the individual's last interaction with the private entity, whichever occurs first.”

Additionally, prior to collection, organizations must also inform consumers that they are collecting the biometric data, the purpose for its collection, and how long it is to be kept. Similar to the Illinois legislation, this statute also introduces a private right of action for individuals. Damages under the proposed legislation for offending entities include actual damages or liquidated damages of $1,000 (for negligent violations) or $5,000 (for intentional violations), whichever is greater, to each affected individual.

Pearson VUE is well prepared to handle this or any similar new legislation. We already have internal systems and processes in place to comply with new statutory requirements so that if this legislation passes, we will be adequately protected on day one - and so will our clients. 
We continue to monitor all pending privacy legislation and will continue to lead the computer-based and assessment industry.


Pearson VUE Legal

Pearson VUE’s legal team has been the leader in the computer-based assessment industry for over two decades, especially in matters surrounding data privacy and security. The Pearson VUE legal team’s expertise in both the industry and working with data protection authorities globally for over twenty years sets them apart in this field and provides Pearson VUE clients a substantial benefit.  We work closely with clients to protect the integrity of their programs while maintaining compliance and balancing the ethical issues of handling individual candidate data.

Pearson VUE

Pearson VUE is the largest computer-based testing company in the world.  Pearson VUE has been a pioneer in the computer-based testing industry for decades, delivering more than 16 million certification and licensure exams annually in every industry from academia and admissions to IT and healthcare. We are the global leader in developing and delivering high-stakes exams via the world's most comprehensive network of nearly 20,000 highly secure test centers as well as online testing in over 180 countries. Our leadership in the assessment industry is a result of our collaborative partnerships with a broad range of clients, from leading technology firms to government and regulatory agencies. For more information, please visit PearsonVUE.com.

Thursday, January 28, 2021 is Data Privacy Day. When it comes to data privacy in the physical and online assessment world, Pearson VUE is the clear leader. We partner with our clients on new and pending legislation that could affect their programs and diligently monitor online activity.

And in honor of Data Privacy Day, Pearson VUE is providing an update about some potential new data privacy legislation in New York.

Recently, a new biometric privacy law was introduced in the state of New York which is similar to legislation passed in Illinois. The Illinois legislation produced hundreds of class action lawsuits and in some cases, it was reported that it cost IT companies hundreds of millions of dollars. Pearson VUE defended two such class action lawsuits and both were dismissed swiftly and inexpensively.

If an organization is prepared, it should be able to handle the potential private right of action in the same manner. The proposed New York legislation requires organizations to maintain a publicly available retention period specific to biometrics which states that biometric data will be destroyed “when the initial purpose for collecting  or obtaining such identifiers or information has been satisfied or within three years of the individual's last interaction with the private entity, whichever occurs first.”

Additionally, prior to collection, organizations must also inform consumers that they are collecting the biometric data, the purpose for its collection, and how long it is to be kept. Similar to the Illinois legislation, this statute also introduces a private right of action for individuals. Damages under the proposed legislation for offending entities include actual damages or liquidated damages of $1,000 (for negligent violations) or $5,000 (for intentional violations), whichever is greater, to each affected individual.

Pearson VUE is well prepared to handle this or any similar new legislation. We already have internal systems and processes in place to comply with new statutory requirements so that if this legislation passes, we will be adequately protected on day one - and so will our clients. 
We continue to monitor all pending privacy legislation and will continue to lead the computer-based and assessment industry.