Overview
Title
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. Department of Agriculture wants to make a new system that helps kids and their parents send in applications if they want to learn about farm jobs. Some people are a bit worried because they're not sure how safely all the information will be kept or how much it will cost.
Summary AI
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing a new record system called the APHIS Student Outreach Programs System. This system will help manage applications and information from students and their guardians who apply for programs like AgDiscovery, which introduces teenagers to potential careers in agriculture. Information collected includes personal details and recommendation letters. The notice is issued under the Privacy Act of 1974 and comments on routine uses of the information in this system can be submitted by January 29, 2025.
Abstract
Pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 and Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-108, the U.S. Department of Agriculture gives notice that a component agency, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) proposes to add a new system of records to its inventory of records. The system of records being proposed is the APHIS Student Outreach Programs System, USDA/APHIS-26. The purpose of this system is to facilitate the submission and review of information submitted by students and their parents or guardians as part of the application process for student outreach programs.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document titled "Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records" informs the public about a proposal by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to establish a new system called the APHIS Student Outreach Programs System. This system, codified as USDA/APHIS-26, is designed to streamline the collection and evaluation of data from students and their guardians applying to programs such as AgDiscovery. These programs aim to introduce teenagers to career opportunities within agriculture, animal science, and related sectors. The document acts as a formal notice in compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and encourages public comments regarding the routine uses of the gathered information by January 29, 2025.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from this notice. Firstly, the document lacks clarity regarding the budget or financial implications of creating and maintaining this new system. This absence of information could lead to transparency and oversight concerns about the allocation of government resources.
Security of personal data is another significant concern noted in the document. While it mentions that records will be stored digitally and physically with security measures in place, detailed descriptions of these measures are absent. Given the sensitivity of the information, which includes personal and contact details alongside educational and recommendation data, a robust security outline is essential to assuage public concerns about privacy and data breaches.
The language used throughout the document could be seen as overly complex due to bureaucratic and legal jargon. This complexity might alienate or confuse a general audience, making it difficult for the layperson to fully grasp how the system will function, what it entails, and how it might affect them.
Furthermore, the document refers to a pending request for records disposition authority to be granted by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), but it does not provide a specific timeline for this process. Without an established timeline, there might be uncertainties regarding how long records will be retained and managed appropriately.
A final concern is the vague language employed in defining routine uses of the collected information. Without detailed examples or clear criteria for what constitutes a compatible use, there is a risk of broad interpretation that could lead to potential data misuse.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
Broadly, this document may appear esoteric but it holds substantial importance for students, educational institutions, and potential future employers in the agricultural sector. For the public, the establishment of such a system is indicative of increased governmental efforts to foster interest in agricultural careers among youth, potentially having long-term positive impacts by addressing workforce needs in these areas.
For students and their families, the system could provide streamlined access to valuable education and career opportunities. However, the concerns regarding data privacy and clarity in the process might deter participation if addressed inadequately.
Educational institutions partnering with APHIS will gain systematic allocations and insights into the applicant pool, assisting in crafting programs that meet the interests and needs of students. However, they might share concerns over data handling and the implications of sharing sensitive information with a federal entity.
In contrast, there might be negative ramifications if data privacy concerns remain unaddressed, potentially impacting the willingness of students and parents to engage with the program. Moreover, stakeholders might call for clear financial and security measures to be stipulated to foster greater trust and transparency.
In summary, while the APHIS Student Outreach Programs System presents an initiative with promise for the agricultural sector, it must address key issues related to budget transparency, data security, and clear communication to ensure its successful implementation and public acceptance.
Issues
• The document does not specify the budget or the estimated cost for the implementation and operation of the APHIS Student Outreach Programs System, USDA/APHIS-26, raising concerns about potential budget transparency and oversight.
• The document does not provide specific information on how data security measures will be implemented aside from general statements, which may be insufficient given the sensitivity of the personal information involved.
• Language complexity: The use of bureaucratic and legal terminology may make the document difficult for the general public to understand, particularly sections detailing routine uses of records and access procedures.
• The document mentions a request to NARA for records disposition authority but does not provide a timeline for when this authority is expected to be granted, which could affect record retention and management practices.
• The document relies on general language to outline the sharing of information under routine uses but lacks specific criteria or examples of what constitutes a compatible use, which could lead to broad interpretation and potential misuse.