Overview
Title
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants to make sure your personal information, like your name and number, is kept safe and only shared when necessary, so they're updating their rules to do a better job at that.
Summary AI
The Department of the Treasury's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has announced a proposal to update their record system in line with the Privacy Act of 1974. The system, originally titled “Treasury/TTB .001 Regulatory Enforcement Record System,” will now be called the “Regulatory Enforcement System of Records,” and includes important updates on how personal information is managed and shared. Changes include clarifying the types of personal information collected, like names and social security numbers, and updating how this information may be routinely used or shared with other agencies. The final changes aim to protect personal data and ensure compliance with federal guidelines on privacy and information security.
Abstract
In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the Department of the Treasury, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, proposes to modify a current Treasury system of records titled, "Treasury/TTB .001 Regulatory Enforcement Record System," which will now be titled "Department of the Treasury, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) .001--Regulatory Enforcement System of Records."
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Federal Register document in question discusses a proposal by the Department of the Treasury's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to update a system of records in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974. The original system, formerly known as the "Treasury/TTB .001 Regulatory Enforcement Record System," is now being renamed to the "Regulatory Enforcement System of Records." This document aims to clarify and modernize how personal data is managed, ensuring compliance with federal privacy and information security guidelines.
General Summary
The document outlines that the TTB is modifying its record-keeping system. This includes a change in the name to better reflect the scope and function of the system. Significant updates include specifying what types of personal information are collected, such as names, dates of birth, and social security numbers, and detailing the conditions under which this information may be shared with other federal, state, or local agencies.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Complex Language and Legal Jargon
The document is laden with complex legal terminology and references to specific legal codes, which can be challenging for the general public to understand. Terms like "offers in compromise," "show cause orders," and exemptions under specific US codes are not explained in layman's terms, potentially alienating readers unfamiliar with legal lexicon.
Information Accessibility
The practical details, such as how to submit comments or contact officials for further information, are embedded within lengthy paragraphs. This makes it hard for the average reader to locate and act on relevant information, limiting public engagement.
Broad Public Impact
For the public at large, this update is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that personal information collected by federal agencies is managed securely and transparently. By clarifying the types of data collected and how it is shared, the TTB seeks to uphold privacy standards while facilitating regulatory compliance.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Regulated Industry Members
For those in the alcohol, tobacco, and firearm industries, this updated system clarifies how regulatory compliance is enforced. While it may streamline certain bureaucratic processes, the increased detail in record-keeping demands vigilance in maintaining compliance with federal regulations.
Privacy Advocates
Privacy-conscious individuals may find reassurance in this document, as it reflects a commitment to protecting personal data and clarifying privacy implications. However, the reliance on technical legal language could deter deeper public understanding and engagement.
In conclusion, while the document serves an important purpose by updating federal record systems and ensuring compliance with privacy laws, its complexity might hinder effective communication with the general public. More straightforward language and clearer formatting could improve accessibility and understanding, fostering greater public interaction and trust.
Issues
• The document contains complex legal language that might be difficult for the general public to understand, such as specific references to legal codes and acts (e.g., 5 U.S.C. 301; 26 U.S.C. 5001, and OMB Memorandum M-17-12).
• There are multiple exemptions and references to specific sections of the Privacy Act and CFR that are likely to be challenging for non-experts to comprehend (e.g., exemptions listed in 31 CFR 1.36).
• The address information and contacts for comments and further information are buried within lengthy paragraphs, which could be presented more clearly to ensure the audience can easily find how to engage with the process.
• The section outlining the categories of records contains a long list of legal and technical documents without contextual explanation, which could make it difficult for a layperson to grasp the implications.
• The use of legal jargon such as 'offers in compromise', 'show cause orders', and other specific operational terms without layman's explanation might lead to confusion.
• The document does not clearly outline the implications for individuals whose data is collected; the average reader may not fully understand what information is being collected and how it is being used.
• The explanations for exemptions from various Privacy Act obligations is complex and may not be comprehensible to individuals unfamiliar with legal terminology and privacy regulations.