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 District of Columbia (D.C.) HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation is a comprehensive document that provides crucial information on the privacy rights and responsibilities of individuals interacting with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the District of Columbia. This handbook aims to educate and guide residents, landlords, housing applicants, and other stakeholders about the proper usage and protection of personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act. The HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation outlines the key provisions and requirements stipulated by the Privacy Act of 1974. It explains how HUD collects, uses, discloses, and maintains personal information, ensuring compliance with federal laws. By disseminating this information, HUD promotes transparency, safeguards privacy, and fosters trust between the agency and its constituents. Key topics covered in the District of Columbia HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation include: 1. Overview of the Privacy Act: This section provides a detailed explanation of the Privacy Act's purpose, scope, and relevance to individuals in D.C. It highlights the rights conferred upon individuals and the obligations of HUD in handling their personal information. 2. Collection and Use of Personal Information: This segment explains the various scenarios in which HUD may collect personal details from individuals, such as during housing applications, tenant screenings, or program enrollments. It elucidates how HUD employs this data to administer housing programs, assess eligibility, and determine benefits. 3. Disclosure and Sharing of Personal Information: The handbook describes the circumstances under which HUD may disclose personal information to other federal agencies, state or local government entities, or contractors. It emphasizes the need for lawful justifications and the importance of safeguarding confidentiality during such disclosures. 4. Security and Access Controls: This section elaborates on the measures implemented by HUD to ensure the security and integrity of personal data. It clarifies the access controls in place, including limitations on personnel authorized to handle sensitive information and the use of technological safeguards like encryption and secure databases. 5. Individual Rights and Remedies: The handbook informs individuals about their rights under the Privacy Act, such as the right to access, request amendments, and obtain an accounting of disclosures regarding their personal information. It also explains the procedures for filing complaints and seeking remedies for potential privacy violations. Different types or versions of the District of Columbia HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation might exist based on the target audience or specific housing programs. For instance, variants may cater to tenants, landlords, housing applicants, or housing program coordinators, highlighting their unique roles and responsibilities in terms of privacy protection and information handling. In conclusion, the District of Columbia HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation serves as an essential resource for stakeholders involved in housing programs. It educates individuals about their privacy rights, outlines HUD's obligations, and ensures compliance with the Privacy Act, fostering a transparent and responsible approach towards the handling of personal information in D.C.'s housing context.
