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 Hawaii HUD Privacy Act Handbook is a comprehensive guide that provides detailed information about the Privacy Act and its implications in the state of Hawaii. This handbook serves as a reference for individuals, organizations, and government agencies who handle personal information and are subject to the Privacy Act. The Privacy Act is a federal law that regulates the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of personal information by federal agencies. However, Hawaii has implemented its own state-specific regulations and guidelines to align with the federal law and ensure the protection of individual privacy rights. The Hawaii HUD Privacy Act Handbook provides an explanation of the key provisions of the Privacy Act, including the purpose and scope of the act, types of personal information covered, and the rights of individuals regarding their personal information. It also sheds light on the responsibilities and obligations of organizations and government agencies in protecting personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. The handbook highlights the importance of obtaining informed consent when collecting personal information and outlines the procedures for accessing, amending, and deleting personal information as per the Privacy Act. It also offers guidance on how to handle privacy breaches, including notification requirements and mitigation measures. In addition to the general Hawaii HUD Privacy Act Handbook, there may be specific types or versions tailored to different entities or sectors. For instance, there might be a Hawaii HUD Privacy Act Handbook for government agencies, private organizations, healthcare providers, educational institutions, or financial institutions. These variants would provide more focused information relevant to the specific context and requirements of each sector. Overall, the Hawaii HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation serves as an essential resource for anyone who deals with personal information in Hawaii, ensuring compliance with both state and federal privacy laws. It empowers individuals and organizations to protect and manage personal information responsibly, fostering a secure and privacy-conscious environment in the state.
