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.
Ohio HUD Privacy Act Handbook is a comprehensive guide that provides detailed information on the privacy regulations and guidelines established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Ohio. It aims to ensure the protection of individuals' privacy rights and personal information in the context of HUD programs and activities. The Ohio HUD Privacy Act Handbook provides an overview of the Privacy Act, its purpose, and how it is implemented within the state of Ohio. It explains the key provisions and requirements of the Privacy Act, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive personal information and ensuring its confidentiality. The handbook highlights the rights of individuals regarding their personal information and the obligations of HUD and its employees in handling and disclosing such information. In Ohio, there are several distinct types of HUD Privacy Act Handbooks available: 1. Ohio HUD Privacy Act Handbook for Tenants: This handbook specifically targets individuals residing in HUD-assisted housing. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of tenants concerning their personal information, including the collection, use, and disclosure of such data by HUD and its housing providers. The handbook also provides guidelines on how to file complaints or seek redress in case of privacy breaches. 2. Ohio HUD Privacy Act Handbook for Employees: This handbook is designed for HUD employees working in Ohio. It educates employees about their obligations under the Privacy Act, including the proper handling and protection of personal information collected during their work. It also covers procedures for reporting privacy incidents and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. 3. Ohio HUD Privacy Act Handbook for Program Administrators: This handbook caters to program administrators responsible for implementing HUD-funded programs in Ohio. It offers guidance on collecting, managing, and protecting personal information of program participants, ensuring compliance with the Privacy Act's requirements. It also discusses the role of program administrators in responding to privacy-related inquiries and complaints. Overall, the Ohio HUD Privacy Act Handbooks play a vital role in informing and educating individuals, tenants, employees, and program administrators about their privacy rights and obligations under the Privacy Act. These handbooks aim to create awareness and provide guidance for ensuring the appropriate handling and protection of personal information within the scope of Ohio HUD programs and activities.