Search Results for keywords:"Privacy Act of 1974"

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is planning to modify its Partner-Vetting System, a system used to vet directors, officers, and employees of non-governmental organizations seeking funds from USAID. The system collects personal data to ensure that USAID’s funds do not inadvertently support individuals or entities posing a risk to national security. Changes include removing certain categories of individuals from its coverage and clarifying details in the system’s records. USAID invites the public to submit comments on the proposed changes by February 12, 2021.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a new computer matching program with the Universal Service Administrative Company and the Utah Department of Workforce Services. This program aims to verify if applicants and subscribers for the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are eligible by checking if they receive certain benefits like SNAP and Medicaid. The verification process uses the National Verifier to ensure that those who qualify can receive discounts on broadband and voice services. The program begins on March 27, 2025, and will last for 18 months.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is updating an existing system of records, named Federal Advisory Committee/Subgroup Member, Subscriber/Registrant, and Guest Speaker Records. This update includes adding records about guest speakers at advisory committee meetings and changing the system's name. New routine uses for the records have been established, such as sharing limited information about guest speakers’ qualifications and financial interests. The update aims to enhance transparency and ensure compliance with federal advisory committee regulations. Comments on the new and revised policies are invited until January 27, 2025.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) are starting a new computer matching program with the Department of Veterans Affairs to verify eligibility for the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs provide discounted broadband and voice services to low-income consumers. The program will check if applicants or subscribers are receiving Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension benefits, which qualify them for these discounts. This matching program, expected to reduce fraud and improve service, will begin on April 11, 2025, and last 18 months.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a final rule exempting certain records in its newly established system, DOE-42 Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs Files, from specific provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974. These exemptions are applied to protect investigatory materials used for law enforcement purposes, safeguarding against unauthorized access to sensitive data related to federal civil rights compliance investigations. The DOE addressed public comments on the rule and justified the need for exemptions to enhance the confidentiality and integrity of law enforcement processes while ensuring fairness and due process. The rule becomes effective on January 16, 2025.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing changes to its Privacy Act regulations, in line with the Social Security Number Fraud Prevention Act of 2017. These changes would restrict the use of full Social Security numbers (SSNs) in documents sent by physical mail unless deemed necessary by the Secretary of Homeland Security. DHS aims to further define what "necessary" means and to ensure that SSNs are redacted whenever possible. The agency also plans safeguards to protect SSNs, ensuring they're never visible on the outside of mail packages.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced changes to the way it manages records about unaccompanied children in federal custody due to their immigration status. The updated system, now called the ORR Unaccompanied Children Bureau (UCB) Administrative Program Records, aims to enhance privacy protections and clarify routine uses of data, especially concerning law enforcement and child welfare investigations. The revisions prohibit using children's information for immigration enforcement purposes without consent and specify situations where information can be shared, like health care coordination or missing children investigations. These changes are part of HHS's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied children.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has issued a notice about its systems of records, as required by the Privacy Act of 1974. This update outlines changes in record systems and introduces new routine uses for the stored data, aiming to ensure that individuals can request information with accuracy and precision. The document also details various systems related to grants, personnel, finances, and complaint case files, specifying how these records are stored, accessed, and maintained. The changes reflect the adoption of electronic technology and administrative updates within the agency.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) are launching a new computer matching program with the Mississippi Department of Human Services. This program aims to verify whether people applying for or currently receiving benefits from the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are eligible by checking if they receive SNAP benefits. The matching process will involve sharing information like part of the applicant's Social Security Number and date of birth to confirm eligibility. The program will start on March 27, 2025, and run for 18 months.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new computer matching program in collaboration with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and the Missouri Department of Social Services. This program aims to verify the eligibility of participants in the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by checking if they receive benefits from programs like SNAP or Medicaid. These benefits help individuals and families access discounts for broadband and voice services. The matching process involves sharing certain personal details, such as parts of a Social Security Number, to confirm eligibility.