Overview
Title
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Defense is changing how they keep track of who can park at the Pentagon to make sure their records are better organized and protect people's privacy. They are doing this to make sure everyone is playing fair with parking and public transport benefits, like not getting both at the same time.
Summary AI
The Department of Defense is updating its Pentagon Facilities Parking Program records system under the Privacy Act of 1974. This update includes expanding the types of records collected and revising sections to improve clarity and accuracy. The purpose of this system is to manage parking permits for DoD personnel and contractors at Pentagon facilities. The changes also include new procedures for handling records and ensuring they are secure, as well as adding standard DoD routine uses for the records.
Abstract
In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the DoD is modifying and reissuing a current system of records titled, "Pentagon Facilities Parking Program," DWHS D04. This system of records was originally established to manage the Pentagon Facilities Parking Program for DoD civilian, military, and contractor personnel applying for and in receipt of Pentagon parking permits. Records are also used to ensure DoD military personnel and civilians are not in receipt of both an issued parking pass and mass transit benefits. This system of records is being updated to expand the categories of records collected. DoD is also updating the System of Records Notice (SORN) to add the standard DoD routine uses (routine uses A through J). Lastly, the DoD is also modifying various other sections within the SORN to improve clarity or update information that has changed.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register announces modifications to the Department of Defense's (DoD) Pentagon Facilities Parking Program records system, in compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974. The notice highlights updates, including expanded categories of records and changes aimed at clarifying and improving procedures for handling these records. This system primarily assists in managing parking permits for DoD personnel and contractors within Pentagon facilities.
General Overview
The Pentagon Facilities Parking Program records system plays a crucial role in administratively handling parking permits provided to DoD employees, military personnel, and contractors. The document emphasizes ensuring that DoD employees do not receive overlapping benefits, such as parking permits and transit perks. It also aims to streamline processes and enhance security by updating routine uses and methods related to records storage, retrieval, and disposal.
Key Issues and Concerns
The document is fraught with technical language, typical of legal notices, which may be challenging for a layperson to navigate. Acronyms and legal references like "5 U.S.C. 552a(r)" and "OMB Circular No. A-108" assume the reader's familiarity with legal terminologies, making the document less accessible to the general public. Further clarity could be offered by explaining the implications of these references in everyday terms.
Furthermore, while the document outlines the safeguarding of personal data, the security measures described may not fully dispel public concerns about data privacy and protection. The period for the retention and disposal of records—up to six months post-expiration of credentials—is another area where the document could benefit from elaboration, especially regarding the reasoning behind this timeframe.
Impacts on the Public
Broadly, this update seeks to enhance administrative efficiency and fortify data protection, impacting a large segment of the public employed by or affiliated with the DoD. By expanding record categories and removing sensitive information like social security numbers, the DoD seems to be moving towards strengthening privacy protections. However, the broader public needs clear communication to better understand how these changes might affect their personal data and parking privileges.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For DoD personnel and contractors, updates in routine uses and record handling procedures promise a more robust system for managing parking permits. However, these stakeholders might find the procedural instructions—to access or contest records—overly complex. The document's legal language could hinder stakeholders from fully engaging with the system, potentially necessitating additional support or resources.
Contractors, military personnel, and civilian employees must take note of the updated systems and protocols to avoid impingements on their benefits and comply with new data management practices. Enhanced clarity on the procedures described, including user-friendly guides, could better serve these stakeholders, ensuring they are well-informed and secure in their interactions with the system.
In conclusion, while this Federal Register notice depicts a significant step toward modernizing and enhancing the DoD's records system, a simplified communication style could bridge the understanding gap for the public and specific stakeholders. Ensuring comprehensive clarity and engagement will enhance trust in these legal and procedural updates.
Issues
• The document uses a high level of technical language and jargon typical of legal and governmental notices, which might be difficult for the general public to fully understand without additional context or explanation.
• The notice includes numerous legal references and citations such as '5 U.S.C. 552a(r)' and 'OMB Circular No. A-108,' which might not be immediately clear to those not versed in legal or governmental procedures.
• The document details numerous procedures and uses for records that require careful adherence, but does not provide simplified guidance for individuals on how they might navigate these procedures.
• The process for contesting records or accessing information is described succinctly, yet it may be confusing for individuals unfamiliar with procedures like notarized statements or unsworn declarations under 28 U.S.C. 1746.
• The document outlines several routine uses of records, but it does not offer detailed examples or scenarios where these might apply, which could aid in understanding the practical implications.
• While it mentions safeguards and security measures, the level of detail might not fully reassure all readers of the system's robustness in protecting personal data.
• The retention and disposal policy is stated as temporary with the provision for destruction up to six months after credential expiration, but the rationale or criteria for this time frame is not elaborated.
• Changes in record management practices such as the removal of the Social Security Number (SSN) need more context on how this impacts data retrieval or privacy considerations.