Privacy Act of 1974

The Privacy Act protects individuals from unauthorized collection of personal data by federal agencies. It allows the collection of non-personal data, termed metadata, without additional processes. Agencies must adhere to standards, including public notification, safeguards against unauthorized disclosure, and mechanisms for individuals to access and correct their data. Agencies can disclose data without consent for specific purposes, but privacy protections remain to prevent government overreach.

What is the primary purpose of the Privacy Act?

• To enable private companies to collect personal data

• To protect individuals from unauthorized data collection by the government

• To allow unrestricted data collection by the government

• To regulate international data sharing

What type of data can federal agencies collect without additional processes?

• Medical records

• Financial information

• Metadata

• Personally identifiable information

Which of the following is a requirement for agencies under the Privacy Act?

• To ignore complaints about data handling

• To sell personal data to third parties

• To collect data without any standards

• To notify the public about the types of information collected

What must agencies provide to individuals regarding their personal information?

• A list of all employees handling their data

• A detailed report of all government data

• Access to their information and a method to correct errors

• A guarantee of data deletion upon request

Under what circumstances can agencies disclose information without consent?

• For public entertainment

• For routine government purposes and investigations

• For international data exchange

• For any commercial purpose