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 Arizona HUD Privacy Act Handbook is a comprehensive resource that provides in-depth information on the Privacy Act of 1974 and its application within the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) operations in Arizona. This handbook serves as a guide for HUD employees, contractors, and individuals involved with HUD programs, ensuring compliance with the Privacy Act's provisions. The Privacy Act of 1974, enacted to protect individuals' personal information maintained by federal agencies, plays a crucial role in safeguarding privacy rights. The Arizona HUD Privacy Act Handbook serves as a valuable tool to ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of personal information collected by HUD in Arizona. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, HUD employees and partners can maintain the trust and confidence of individuals whose information is collected. This handbook provides a detailed explanation of the Privacy Act's provisions, including the purpose and scope of the act, definitions of key terms, and the rights afforded to individuals concerning their personal information. It emphasizes the importance of obtaining informed consent and outlines the obligations of HUD entities when it comes to collecting, maintaining, using, and disseminating personal information. Additionally, the Arizona HUD Privacy Act Handbook includes specific guidelines related to the implementation of the Privacy Act within various HUD programs and initiatives. These sections address the unique requirements and considerations associated with programs such as public housing, vouchers, community development, fair housing, and rehabilitation. By tailoring the information to specific HUD programs, the handbook ensures that employees and partners have the necessary knowledge to handle personal information appropriately. It is worth noting that there may be different versions or editions of the Arizona HUD Privacy Act Handbook. These could include an introductory edition providing an overview of the Privacy Act's principles, a revised edition that incorporates recent legislative changes or judicial interpretations, or specialized editions focusing on specific HUD programs or roles within the agency. Each edition serves the same fundamental purpose of providing guidance and clarity on the application of the Privacy Act within Arizona's HUD operations. In summary, the Arizona HUD Privacy Act Handbook is a valuable resource for individuals involved with HUD programs in Arizona. It educates users on the provisions of the Privacy Act and ensures compliance regarding collecting, storing, and disseminating personal information. By adhering to these guidelines, HUD employees and partners protect individuals' privacy rights and maintain the integrity of their personal information.
