MyMassGov privacy and security
Protecting the personal information that you submit to create or update your MyMassGov account and gain access to MyMassGov’s partner agency applications is a top priority. When you provide details such as an email address or other proof of identity like a state identification (ID), we can be sure it’s really you and grant you (and only you) access to the account.
Information we collect and why we need it
- Basic account setup information: For authentication to establish a secure MyMassGov account, we need your name, email address, and an authentication method. The authentication method could be a code texted to your phone number, authenticator app code, or other options.
- Detailed identity details/documents: Identity proofing requires more sensitive information such as a social security number, address, and phone number. Some agency partners may require verification through biometric comparison as further proof of your identity. Biometric comparison involves comparing your self-photograph to the portrait on your government-issued ID card. In these cases, MyMassGov requires a U.S.- based state ID or driver’s license and a self-photograph.
- Mobile service subscriber status and device details: During identity proofing, your phone carrier may disclose your mobile number, name, address, email, network status, customer type, customer role, billing type, mobile device identifiers (IMSI and IMEI) and other subscriber status and device details, if available, to our third party service provider, solely to verify your identity for the duration of the business relationship.
- Website Analytics: Data like the pages you visit and the length of your session, are collected in reports to help us better understand how the site is being used and how we can make it more helpful. No personally identifying user information is tied to this data and it is only shared anonymously with the MyMassGov team.
- Business Intelligence: Data about the types of services you use is anonymized (personal specifics like names are not included) and used to give us insights that aid in improving the services the Commonwealth offers and do things like identify common overlap between services so that we can streamline the experience for users.
- Device information: To assess for risk of misuse, we also collect device information and behavioral analytics.
Sharing and terms of use for information about you
Partner agencies
MyMassGov partners with Massachusetts agencies that need secure and private access to their websites, applications, and services. Each partner agency (for example, the Department of Unemployment Assistance) selects the type of information we request from you, which is determined by the level of security they require.
Participating agencies include:
- Department of Family and Medical Leave
- Department of Public Health
- Department of Transitional Assistance
- Department of Unemployment Assistance
- MassAbility
- MassHealth
When you create a MyMassGov account, you consent to share personally identifiable information (PII). The information that you need to provide depends on requirements of the partner agency.
- At this time, you’re provided with an electronic identity assurance credential. We need PII to generate that credential. Imagine this credential like a key that only you can use. The key securely opens the door to a partner agency’s service or application. We also may need information to ensure that your identity information is accurate - and not someone else’s.
- Information is shared with other State agencies as necessary to detect and investigate suspected fraud, including providing you with restitution.
- Participating State agencies will receive information about you when you access their site. They use this information to:
- Give you access to their services
- Pre-fill parts of forms or applications
- Let you easily keep your information consistent and up to date
- Allow you to access services with a single login
- Help you if you ever have trouble with their websites
- Identify additional state services that may benefit you
- Learn about how participating Commonwealth agencies can improve services to better serve you
Third parties
Please see a complete list of third party entites with whom information about you is shared.
Storage and maintenance of information
We store and maintain data in accordance with industry practices and the EOTSS Enterprise Information Security Policies and Standards.
Privacy and consent notice
The MyMassGov service is provided by the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security to offer the public secure and private online access to participating government programs and services. Our goal is to make managing state benefits, services, and applications faster, easier, and more secure.
By accessing MyMassGov, you acknowledge and agree to this Privacy Notice and the MyMassGov terms of use. We will post any changes to these terms to this page. If the changes affect our handling of your personal information or are otherwise determined significant, we will notify you the next time you log in.
Messaging terms and conditions
MyMassGov uses modern text messaging technology such as short message service (SMS) for multifactor authentication. We do not sell your information and will not use text or voice messaging for any other purpose without your explicit consent.
Relevant laws
The collection and use of data by MyMassGov is governed by MGL chapters 7D and 66A.
| Last updated: | October 23, 2024 |
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