- Prepared by the Office of Information and Privacy in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), it is updated and expanded each year. Any inquiry about the Privacy Act's provisions should be made to individual agency Privacy Act officers in conjunction with use of this "Overview." Particularly important Privacy Act policy/litigation questions, or questions concerning the OMB Guidelines, may be directed to Maya A. Bernstein, Policy Analyst, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, at (202) 395-3785.
TABLE OF CONTENTS - Introduction
- Legislative History
- Role of the Privacy Protection Study Commission
- Role of the Office of Management and Budget
- Computer Matching
- Policy Objectives
- Definitions
- Conditions of Disclosure to Third Parties A. The "No Disclosure Without Consent" Rule
B. Twelve Exceptions to the "No Disclosure Without Consent" Rule- 5 U.S.C. ' 552a(b)(1) ("need to know" within agency)
- 5 U.S.C. ' 552a(b)(2) (required FOIA disclosure)
- 5 U.S.C. ' 552a(b)(3) (routine uses)
- 5 U.S.C. ' 552a(b)(4) (Bureau of the Census)
- 5 U.S.C. ' 552a(b)(5) (statistical research)
- 5 U.S.C. ' 552a(b)(6) (National Archives)
- 5 U.S.C. ' 552a(b)(7) (law enforcement request)
- 5 U.S.C. ' 552a(b)(8) (health or safety of an individual)
- 5 U.S.C. ' 552a(b)(9) (Congress)
- 5 U.S.C. ' 552a(b)(10) (General Accounting Office)
- 5 U.S.C. ' 552a(b)(11) (court order)
- 5 U.S.C. ' 552a(b)(12) (Debt Collection Act)
- Accounting of Certain Disclosures
- Individual's Right of Access
- Individual's Right of Amendment
- Agency Requirements
- Agency Rules
- Civil Remedies A. Amendment Lawsuits
B. Access Lawsuits
C. Accuracy Lawsuits for Damages
D. Other Damages Lawsuits
E. Intentional/Willful Standard and Actual Damages in Accuracy and Other Damages Lawsuits
F. Principles Applicable to All Privacy Act Civil Actions - Criminal Penalties
- Ten Exemptions
- Social Security Number Usage
- Government Contractors
- Mailing Lists
- Miscellaneous Provisions
Last Updated December 21, 1998
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