Overview
Title
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Air Force wants to collect information to help find people who go missing, like soldiers, but they need everyone's thoughts on how to do it better and safer. They want to make sure they're not using too much private info like Social Security numbers without keeping it safe.
Summary AI
The Department of the Air Force, part of the Department of Defense, is proposing a new information collection and invites public comments. This collection, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, aims to gather information using the DD Form 1833 to help identify and recover isolated or missing DoD personnel. This process is essential for ensuring the safety of military and civilian personnel serving overseas. Feedback from the public is sought to assess the necessity, accuracy, and methods of minimizing the burden of this data collection, with comments due by February 10, 2025.
Abstract
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Department of the Air Force announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is an announcement from the Department of the Air Force, which is a part of the Department of Defense. It details a proposed collection of information and invites public comment on the various aspects of this proposal. This action is in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and focuses on gathering data to assist in identifying and recovering isolated or missing Department of Defense personnel using the DD Form 1833, known as the Isolated Personnel Report. Feedback is sought to refine the process, ensure accuracy, and minimize burdens on respondents, with a deadline for comments set for February 10, 2025.
General Summary
The primary aim of this proposal is to enhance the safety and recovery efforts for military and civilian personnel who serve overseas. By collecting critical personal data, the Department of the Air Force seeks to ensure that should personnel become isolated or missing, they can be positively identified and recovered efficiently. The proposed data collection involves sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, photographs, and fingerprints, all handled via a web application called the Personnel Recovery Mission Software (PRMS).
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues emerge upon reviewing the document. Firstly, the language employed is technical and bureaucratic, potentially creating comprehension barriers for the general public. Terms like "Personnel Recovery Mission Software web application" and "Isolated Personnel Report" may not be immediately clear to those without a background in military or governmental processes.
The document mentions the collection of sensitive data, which brings privacy concerns to the forefront. Details about the protection measures for this data are absent, raising questions about the potential for unauthorized access or data breaches. The document also lacks specific examples to illustrate how the collected information will be used in real-world scenarios.
Moreover, while the use of an online platform (PRMS) is stipulated, it does not address how DoD personnel without internet access might fulfill these requirements. This presents a potential gap in the policy's practicality, especially for personnel stationed in remote or technologically underdeveloped areas.
Public Impact
Broadly, the document could lead to increased awareness and commentary on data privacy issues, particularly concerning sensitive information like Social Security numbers. The invitation for public comment allows individuals and organizations to express concerns and suggest improvements, potentially leading to more refined and user-friendly policies.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For military personnel and civilians serving overseas, the proposal could improve safety and recovery operations in the event of isolation or disappearance. However, it could also introduce the burden of additional paperwork and require continuous access to technology that might not always be available.
In cases where sensitive information is mishandled due to this policy, individuals could face privacy violations, highlighting the need for robust data protection strategies. Alternatively, streamlined processes and adequate data security could improve trust and compliance among stakeholders.
In summary, while the document presents a well-intentioned proposal, it requires careful consideration of accessibility, privacy, and the practical aspects of implementation to ensure it positively impacts its intended audience and stakeholders.
Issues
• The document uses technical and bureaucratic language, such as 'Personnel Recovery Mission Software web application' and 'Isolated Personnel Report,' which may not be easily understood by the general public.
• The instructions for submitting comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal could be more detailed to assist those unfamiliar with regulatory procedures.
• The document mentions the collection of sensitive personal data, including Social Security numbers, which could raise privacy concerns and may require additional clarity on data protection measures.
• The language related to the purpose of the information collection ('to positively identify, authenticate, support and recover isolated or missing DoD persons of interest') is somewhat vague and could benefit from further elaboration regarding specific use cases.
• There is no mention of how the Department of the Air Force plans to minimize data breaches or unauthorized access to collected sensitive information, which is a potential security concern.
• The requirement for the use of Personnel Recovery Mission Software (PRMS) without addressing the accessibility for DoD personnel who might lack internet access (and thus the ability to utilize the software) shows a potential gap in implementation practicalities.