MANNING LAW FIRM ATTORNEY CLARKE MARTIN SPEAKS OUT ABOUT COURT PUBLICATION OF CLIENT SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

Manning Law Firm associate attorney Clarke Martin sat down with CBS 17’s Russ Bowen last Thursday, March 23 for a 6:00 news feature on one of the many developing eCourts transition issues: public filings which include client social security numbers.  In addition to slower in-court processing times, judges canceling court proceedings, and even delays in releasing people from custody, the e-Courts Portal in its current state poses a massive risk to client data security.  

Specifically, as Martin discussed with CBS 17, the eCourts Portal does not appear to have an appropriate redaction method for protecting client social security numbers on paperwork like appointment of counsel documents and other court filings.  This breach is especially disturbing because the appointed clients who have been affected are vulnerable not just due to their economic circumstances but also because they have been charged with crimes and are already facing the consequences and stigma that even an accusation of criminal conduct can bring.  

Files & archives in the courthouse


In addition to presenting a massive data security risk for some of the most vulnerable in our community, it’s against North Carolina law to file someone’s social security number in a court filing.  Moreover, when a state agency or a private company experiences a data breach where social security numbers are exposed, certain reporting obligations may be triggered by statute.  

You can read the full article and watch the interview here.  You can read more about CBS 17’s coverage of the eCourts transition here.  The Social Security Administration has helpful information about the risks of identity theft by social security number, including how to stay safe online and what to do if you think your social security data has been compromised.  

At the Manning Law Firm, we will continue as always to look out for our clients as they proceed through the justice system as well as through the difficult transition to eCourts and e-filing in state court.