An Act To Require Internet Service Providers To Retain Records
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 10 MRSA c. 224-A is enacted to read:
CHAPTER 224-A
RETENTION OF INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER RECORDS
§ 1497-A. Record retention requirements for Internet service providers
1. Retention of records. Internet service providers shall retain records for at least 180 days, including the name and address of the subscriber or registered user to whom an Internet protocol address, user identification or telephone number was assigned, in order to permit compliance with court orders that may require production of such information.
2. Penalties. An Internet service provider who knowingly fails to retain any record as required under this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $10,000 per violation may be adjudged. Failure to retain any record or records pertaining to a single subscriber or registered user constitutes a single violation.
3. Rules. The Attorney General shall adopt rules governing the retention of records by Internet service providers. Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
summary
This bill requires that Internet service providers retain customer records for at least 180 days and directs the Attorney General to adopt routine technical rules governing the retention of those records. Failure to comply with the retention requirements is a civil violation for which a fine of up to $10,000 per violation may be adjudged.