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Although 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have passed laws requiring consumer notification in the event of a security breach of personal information, recent large-scale and publicized breaches continue to make data security a top legislative agenda item in statehouses across the country.  Of the 15 data breach proposals introduced by State legislators this year, two have been signed into law. In Vermont, the state legislature passed a new law that requires entities to notify the state attorney general’s office within 14 days of a security breach, unless the data collector has affirmed with the attorney general’s office that a written data security plan is in place and the organization can comply with breach notification requirements. In addition, the Vermont law would require that a consumer be notified of the incident in general terms; alerted to the types of information exposed; provided with a toll-free number to call for guidance; given advice about credit monitoring; and provided with the date of the breach and its discovery by the business within 45 days. The Connecticut legislature also passed a new data breach law that requires companies to notify the state attorney general’s office of a security breach before a notice is sent to consumers. Congress is also considering data breach notification proposals.  In the Senate, several members have signaled their intent to offer data breach notification amendments when the Chamber considers cybersecurity legislation. However, there are a number of hurdles that lawmakers must address before they can move forward. First, the large number of congressional committees that have jurisdiction on the issue has led to turf battles. Also, it has been difficult for Congress to settle on a standard that would effectively preempt the current patchwork of state laws. Photo: Shutterstock

Experian Automotive today announced that average credit scores for consumers buying a vehicle have dropped to near prerecession levels. According to its quarterly automotive credit analysis, the average credit score for financing a new vehicle dropped six points to 760 and dropped four points to 659 for used vehicles. Comparatively, credit scores in Q1 of 2008 were at an average of 753 for new vehicles and 653 for used. Lenders also continued to set favorable terms for consumers during Q1 2012. Interest rates were lower year-over-year and loan terms were longer, giving consumers access to potentially lower monthly payments. For example, the average interest rates dropped to 4.56 percent on new vehicle loans and to 9.02 percent for used. The average loan terms also increased, extending by one month for new and used vehicles to a total of 64 and 59 months, respectively. “During the first quarter of 2012, car shoppers definitely found more favorable conditions for their vehicle loans,” said Melinda Zabritski, director of automotive credit for Experian. “A reduction in average credit scores, lower interest rates and a lengthening of loan terms are all very good signs for the market and offer great opportunities for consumers looking to make a deal on a new or used vehicle.” The analysis also showed an increase in the average amount financed. The average amount financed on new vehicles rose by $589 in Q1 2012, reaching a total of $25,995. For used vehicles, the average amount financed increased by $411, bringing the average total to $17,050. “Our report shows automotive lending is as healthy as it’s been since the market bottomed out in 2008,” continued Zabritski. “With consumers doing a good job of paying back loans on time and the percentage of dollars at risk reaching its lowest point in six years, lenders are able to extend terms and provide lower rates. This thawing of the credit pipeline has been good for everyone, from consumers to lenders to automotive retailers.” Some additional highlights from Q1 2012: Vehicle loans to nonprime, subprime and deep-subprime customers increased by 11.4 percent Auto repossession rates are down by 37.1 percent. Thirty-day delinquencies dropped by 7.6 percent; 60-day delinquencies dropped by 12.1 percent. Banks and credit unions gained market share. Banks grew by 7.5 percent to 40.21 percent market share, while credit unions grew by 10.5 percent to 16.89 percent market share. Complete findings from the State of the Automotive Finance Market Q1 2012 credit trends analysis will be presented today in a Webinar at 11 a.m. Pacific/1 p.m. Central/2 p.m. Eastern.  Please join us. Experian Automotive’s quarterly credit trend analysis features market reporting data and analysis from its AutoCount® Risk Report, which analyzes automotive lending markets based on a uniform measurement of credit quality that segments markets by geography, credit score and vehicle registrations, among other factors. It also incorporates data from the Experian–Oliver Wyman Market Intelligence Reports, which provide topical, quarterly analysis; peer benchmarking options; and commentary on key issues facing the financial services industry. Photo:  Shutterstock

Experian Marketing Services today announced the acquisition of Conversen. Conversen is a pioneer in developing interaction management technologies that enable marketers to create fully integrated, cross-channel conversations through mobile, Web, social, email and traditional channels. To encourage advocacy and deepen customer loyalty, marketers are quickly moving away from channel marketing and are focusing on implementing coordinated, personable and highly relevant data-driven conversations. The acquisition of this industry-leading campaign management technology further strengthens Experian Marketing Services’ integrated marketing suite and provides even more flexibility, efficiency and precision to clients’ engagement strategies. “As the complexity and demand for more data-driven marketing grows, it’s paramount that Experian Marketing Services stays ahead of these shifts and continues to offer an intuitive, flexible product set that enables clients to engage in consistent, meaningful dialogues with their customers across all relevant channels,” said Matt Seeley, president, Experian Marketing Services. “The acquisition of Conversen aligns with our commitment to invest aggressively in cross-channel marketing and complements our powerful suite of customer-centric marketing services that better connect our clients with their customers. We fully expect this acquisition to have a tremendous and immediate, positive impact on our clients’ programs.” Philip Chischportich of Conversen added, “Our mutual high regard for — and focus on — our clients, along with Experian Marketing Services’ global scale, deep roots in direct-to-consumer marketing and diverse industry experience, made this a win-win for both organizations and our clients. Experian Marketing Services has a proven track record of developing and acquiring innovative technologies, leveraging emerging channel preferences and maximizing return on investment for its high-performing marketing clients. This strategic business approach matches our growth plans, and we’re thrilled about becoming part of their team.”