Missouri Privacy Policy
Missouri data privacy laws differ from those of some other states, as the state lacks a comprehensive data protection law. However, smaller laws, such as the Data Breach Notification Law and the Social Security Number Protection Law, provide some privacy protections for Missouri residents. Businesses in Missouri must still maintain strict privacy operations.
- January 28, 2026
- Key Takeaways
- In Missouri, there is no comprehensive data privacy law that provides consumers with far-reaching protections.
- Several Missouri state laws provide privacy protections in the event of a data breach, especially for students, and set guidelines for data breach notifications.
- Victims of data breaches in Missouri have the right to recover compensation for any harm caused by the unlawful access or acquisition of their personal information.
Although Missouri has some current data privacy laws in place, it lacks a comprehensive consumer privacy statute, similar to those found in other states, such as California’s Consumer Privacy Act or the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. As concerns over user privacy and identity theft increase, more states are enacting comprehensive data protection laws to safeguard residents and their personal information from data breaches.
Overview of Missouri’s Data Privacy Laws
Despite its lack of a comprehensive data privacy policy, Missouri does have laws that define personal information, data breaches, and notification requirements after a breach. The state also has specific data privacy laws that pertain to students and certain industries, such as insurance.
Missouri Data Breach Notification Law – RSMo § 407.1500
Under RSMo § 407.1500, a breach of security is defined as unauthorized access to and acquisition of personal information maintained digitally by someone who compromises the security, confidentiality, or integrity of that information. Personal information is classified as a person’s first name or initial and last name in combination with any one or more of the following, if not encrypted or redacted:
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license number
- Government ID number
- Financial account numbers and passwords
- Medical information
- Health insurance information
Anyone who owns or licenses Missouri residents’ personal information must notify the affected consumer when a breach occurs. This notification must be made “without unreasonable delay” and in a manner consistent with law enforcement needs. A data breach notice must include a description of the incident in general terms, the type of information accessed, a phone number consumers can call for more help, contact information for consumer reporting agencies, and advice to remain vigilant.
Missouri Social Security Number Protection Law – RSMo § 407.1355
Missouri has a unique statute restricting how Social Security numbers may be used or displayed. Under RSMo § 407.1355, Missouri businesses cannot publicly post or display anyone’s Social Security number or require them to transmit their number online unless the connection is secure or encrypted. Additionally, businesses cannot require consumers to use their Social Security number to access a website without a password or authentication device, or as part of an employee ID number.
Missouri Student Data Privacy and Breach Notification – RSMo § 162.1475
In the event of a data breach that includes the personal information of a student, Missouri law requires school districts to send written notification to the parents or legal guardians of each affected student. Notification must also be sent to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the State Auditor.
Missouri Insurance Data Security Act
On January 1, 2026, the Missouri Insurance Data Security Act went into effect, establishing state standards for insurance data security, the investigation of cybersecurity events like data breaches, and notification to the Director of the Department of Commerce and Insurance.
The Insurance Data Security Act was enacted via House Bill 974 and established state-specific cybersecurity standards for licensed insurers that align with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model law. Under the act, licensees must implement comprehensive written security programs, conduct risk assessments, train employees, and report significant data breaches to the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Comparing Missouri Privacy Laws with Other States
Missouri’s data privacy laws lag behind those of states like California and Illinois, which offer more robust consumer protections, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act and the Biometric Information Privacy Act. Each state has its own set of privacy laws that, in combination with existing federal law, work to protect consumers’ data, but when a state lacks a comprehensive data privacy law, consumers may be at risk.
What Counts as a Data Breach Under Missouri Law?
In Missouri, a data breach is defined as unauthorized access or acquisition of computerized personal information that compromises security, confidentiality, or integrity. Good faith acquisition does not count as a breach, so long as the personal information acquired isn’t used in violation of applicable law or in a way that poses a threat to the security, confidentiality, or integrity of the information.
Required Timing of Notification
Notification of a data breach must be made “without unreasonable delay” under Missouri law, though it can be delayed if immediate notice would interfere with a law enforcement investigation or action. The law dictates that notice must either be written and sent by mail, e-mail, telephone, or a substitute method if a large number of people are affected. Notification is not required if the entity breached determines that the risk of identity theft or fraud is not significant.
Companies must also notify the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and consumer reporting agencies if over 1,000 consumers are affected by a breach. The Attorney General has the authority to obtain damages of up to $150,000 per breach if there was a willful knowing violation of the law.
What Missouri Consumers Should Do After a Data Breach
For Missouri residents impacted by a breach, there are steps you can take to protect your personal information, financial security, and identity after your data is compromised.
- Understand What Data Was Compromised: Review any breach notification you receive carefully and thoroughly to understand what data was exposed.
- Place Credit Freezes or Fraud Alerts: Consumers can use Missouri’s security freeze laws to freeze their credit and receive alerts of potential fraud.
- Watch for Signs of Identity Theft: Review your financial and credit statements regularly for suspicious activity after a breach.
- Explore Eligibility for Lawsuits: Class Action U can help you determine if the data breach you were affected by qualifies for a lawsuit or class action lawsuit.
Compensation for Missouri Data Breach Victims
Several types of compensation may be available to Missouri residents affected by a data breach, especially if the potential for identity theft counts as an injury. Some of the compensation that may be available after a breach includes:
- Financial restitution
- Compensation for time spent resolving the breach and monitoring accounts
- The cost of identity theft protection services
- Compensation for emotional distress
Consult a Data Breach Lawyer
Missouri does not have a comprehensive data privacy law, though several smaller laws provide some protections for consumers. Still, the risk of a data breach is real, and consumers should be aware of the signs that their information may have been compromised. If you have been affected by a data breach, it’s important to speak with a data breach lawyer as soon as possible to identify your legal options and maximize your compensation.
If you’ve been affected by a data breach in Missouri, contact Class Action U. We will evaluate the situation to see if it warrants a class action filing and connect you with an attorney experienced in class action data breach lawsuits.