When must organizations notify affected individuals of a data breach under the law?

Organizations are required to notify affected individuals of a data breach "without unreasonable delay," which is a standard that emphasizes the importance of acting promptly once a breach has been discovered. In many states, this is further defined by specific laws that set out a timeframe for notification, often within a certain number of days (such as 30 days) following the discovery of the breach.

This requirement serves several purposes: it helps individuals take appropriate action to protect their personal information, aids in the mitigation of potential harm, and fulfills legal obligations imposed by various privacy laws, including state data breach notification laws. The provision for notification "without unreasonable delay" recognizes that the timing may vary based on the circumstances surrounding the breach, such as the complexity of the investigation or the need to establish the scope of the breach before informing impacted individuals.

In contrast, some specified timeframes in other options may not align with legal expectations or may not reflect the nuanced approach required in handling data breaches. This flexibility ensures that organizations balance prompt notification with the need for accurate information when communicating with individuals affected by the breach.