HUD gathers information on employees, individuals applying for HUD programs, business partners, contractors and clients. The Privacy Act of 1974 established controls over what personal information is collected by the federal government and how it is used.
The Act grants rights to United States citizens and legal permanent residents. Under the Privacy Act you:
" Have the right to see records about yourself; and
" Can correct a record that is inaccurate, irrelevant, untimely, or incomplete.
The Act mandates that the Government:
" Informs you why information is being collected and how it is going to be used;
" Assures that information is accurate, relevant, complete and up-to-date before disclosing it to others;
" Allows you to find out about disclosures of your records to other agencies or persons; and
" Provides you with the opportunity to correct inaccuracies in your records.
The Privacy Act applies only to records about individuals maintained by agencies in the executive branch of the government. It applies to these records only if they are kept in a "system of records." A "system of records" is a group of records from which the information was retrieved by an individual's name, social security number, date of birth or some other personal identifier.
The Alabama HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation is a comprehensive guidebook that provides detailed insights into the privacy provisions and regulations enforced by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the state of Alabama. This handbook aims to educate both the public and housing professionals about their rights, obligations, and protections concerning the privacy of their personal information. The handbook covers various topics related to privacy laws, including the implementation of the Privacy Act of 1974, which is a federal law governing the collection, use, and disclosure of individuals' personal information by federal agencies. It explains how HUD collects, maintains, and safeguards personal data, ensuring that individuals' privacy rights are adequately preserved. Key components of the Alabama HUD Privacy Act Handbook include: 1. Introduction to the Privacy Act: This section provides an overview of the Privacy Act, its purpose, and how it relates to HUD's operations and information management practices. It clarifies the boundaries within which HUD can collect, use, store, and disseminate personal information. 2. Right to Privacy: The handbook elaborates on individuals' rights under the Privacy Act, specifically addressing their ability to access and request amendments to their personal records held by HUD. It outlines the procedures and requirements for filing such requests and explains the redress mechanisms available. 3. Personal Information Collection: This portion explains the types of personal information that HUD may collect and the justifications for their collection. It discusses the necessity of gathering certain data to fulfill agency responsibilities while emphasizing the importance of minimizing the collection of sensitive information. 4. Information Sharing and Disclosure: The handbook elucidates the circumstances under which HUD may share personal information with other federal agencies, state authorities, or third parties. It highlights specific instances where information disclosure may occur, such as audits, law enforcement purposes, research, or in response to court orders. 5. Safeguarding Personal Information: This section focuses on the security measures implemented by HUD to protect personal data from unauthorized access, breaches, or misuse. It outlines the administrative, physical, and technical controls in place to ensure compliance with privacy rules. 6. Privacy Responsibilities: The handbook clarifies the responsibilities of HUD employees and contractors in safeguarding and managing personal information. It highlights the significance of training, periodic audits, and diligent oversight to ensure compliance with privacy policies. Other types or editions of the Alabama HUD Privacy Act Handbook might include updates or revisions to the existing handbook, particularly to reflect changes in privacy regulations, emerging data protection practices, or specific state-level amendments. Additionally, a condensed version or summary of the handbook may be available as a quick reference for those seeking a high-level understanding of privacy rights and obligations under HUD's jurisdiction in Alabama.
