Overview
Title
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The National Defense University is asking for people's thoughts on its plan to safely gather important information from students from other countries, like helping them get driving licenses. They use apps like WhatsApp to do this, but some people are worried it's not safe enough.
Summary AI
The National Defense University within the Department of Defense has issued a 30-day notice for collecting information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This collection is essential for gathering personal data from foreign national students attending the university. The proposal aims to facilitate these students' transitions by helping them acquire necessary resources like driving licenses and temporary lodging. Comments on this proposal are invited until March 29, 2021, and interested parties can provide feedback via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or submit them directly to the designated officer.
Abstract
The Department of Defense has submitted to OMB for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register serves as a notification from the National Defense University, a part of the Department of Defense. It seeks public comment on a proposal related to the collection of personal information from foreign national students. This collection is essential for assisting these students with their transition to life in the United States, providing them with resources such as driving licenses and temporary lodging.
Summary of the Document
The Department of Defense has put forward a proposal under the Paperwork Reduction Act and is inviting public comments until March 29, 2021. This proposal involves gathering personal data from foreign students attending the National Defense University to assist them with logistical needs while studying in the U.S. Interested parties can submit feedback via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or directly to the specified contact officer.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One notable issue in the proposal is the lack of an OMB Control Number, which is normally a standard requirement. This absence, categorized as an "Existing collection in use without an OMB Control Number," raises questions about whether the data collection was initiated with sufficient authorization and oversight.
Furthermore, the document mentions the collection of sensitive information such as passport details and VISA numbers via WhatsApp. Although WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption, there are lingering concerns about data privacy and security, particularly regarding the adequate safeguarding of this information. The term "end-to-end encryption" might require additional clarification to foster understanding among the public. Furthermore, more explicit details regarding how information is collected — either in person or over WhatsApp — could help address possible security or consent gaps.
The proposal also highlights the generalized use of the incomplete control number "0704-XXXX," signifying a preliminary phase or oversight in officially documenting this activity. Providing a complete control number would ensure clarity and integrity in documentation.
The proposal’s explanation of its necessity and the benefits of data collection could be more descriptive. While the document outlines the need to provide support for international students, additional detail on how this information aids them could bolster transparency and public trust.
Public and Stakeholder Impact
For the general public, this document might raise concerns about government data collection practices, especially regarding privacy and the security measures utilized. These concerns emphasize the importance of diligent oversight and robust protections when handling sensitive information.
For specific stakeholders such as foreign national students, the document outlines promising benefits by facilitating a smoother transition into U.S. university life. It can provide necessary support in acquiring essential documents and services. However, these students might also experience apprehension about the handling of their personal and sensitive information, requiring comprehensive assurance regarding its safety.
In conclusion, while the proposal's intentions are constructive and aim to facilitate foreign students' acclimatization to living and studying in the U.S., there are several areas where more precision, clarification, and security assurances could greatly enhance the comprehensibility and trust in this information collection initiative.
Issues
• The notice identifies an information collection proposal that lacks an OMB Control Number, categorized as 'Existing collection in use without an OMB Control Number,' which may suggest the collection started without full authorization or oversight.
• Sensitive information such as passport information and VISA #s is being collected via WhatsApp, which, despite its encryption, could raise concerns about data privacy and security.
• The term 'end-to-end encryption' might require further clarification to ensure that submitters understand the security measures and risks involved.
• The process for collecting sensitive information, which is either in person or via WhatsApp, should be detailed more explicitly to ensure there are no gaps in security or consent.
• The document provides a unique control number denoted as '0704-XXXX,' which is incomplete, suggesting a preliminary stage or oversight in properly documenting the collection activity.
• The description of the needs and uses of the information could benefit from more detail on how the collected data specifically supports transitioning international students, to ensure transparency and understanding of data application.
• The average burden per response of 45 minutes and a total of 164 annual burden hours should be corroborated with details on what this encompasses to verify efficiency and necessity.
• There is ambiguity in using both email correspondence and WhatsApp for data collection, which might require standardization to avoid potential discrepancies in data handling.