Audit: Contractors not liable for release of Social Security numbers

By TODD RICHMOND • The Associated Press • October 3, 2008 MADISON — The state's deal with contract workers who mistakenly revealed thousands of taxpayers' Social Security numbers includes no provisions for damages, according to a state audit released Thursday. The Legislative Audit Bureau's report recommends the Department of Administration include clauses in future contracts calling for damages for security breaches. DOA officials told auditors they have developed such terms and will encourage state agencies to include them in future deals, according to the report. The audit bureau launched the review after its fraud hotline received a confidential complaint in April about Spherion Corp. staff working in the DOA's Bureau of Publishing and Distribution. The Bureau of Publishing and Distribution handles printing and mail... [read full story]