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 Pennsylvania HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation serves as a valuable resource for individuals who seek comprehensive information on the guidelines and regulations surrounding privacy protection in the state. This handbook provides an in-depth understanding of the Privacy Act and its implications for individuals, businesses, and government agencies operating in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania HUD Privacy Act Handbook: 1. Overview: This section of the handbook offers a detailed introduction to the Privacy Act, explaining its purpose and key provisions. It highlights the importance of privacy protection in various contexts, such as housing, employment, and public services. 2. Scope and Applicability: This chapter outlines the scope of the Privacy Act within the state of Pennsylvania. It delineates the entities and individuals subject to its regulations, including government agencies, private organizations, and individuals handling personal information. 3. Privacy Principles: The handbook provides an explanation of the core privacy principles governed by the Privacy Act. These principles include notice, consent, collection limitation, purpose specification, use limitation, data quality, security safeguards, openness, individual participation, and accountability. 4. Rights and Responsibilities: This section elucidates the rights and responsibilities of individuals, organizations, and government agencies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. It clarifies how individuals can exercise their rights and how organizations can fulfill their obligations while respecting privacy. 5. Data Breach Notification: The handbook addresses the procedures and obligations related to data breach incidents. It explains the steps organizations must take to notify affected individuals and relevant authorities when a breach of personal information occurs. 6. Exemptions and Limitations: This chapter outlines situations where the Privacy Act may not cover specific information or actions. It provides an explanation of the exemptions and limitations that exist within the law, ensuring readers have a comprehensive understanding of its jurisdiction. 7. Enforcement and Penalties: The Pennsylvania HUD Privacy Act Handbook also explains the enforcement mechanisms in place, including the penalties for non-compliance with privacy regulations. It details the procedures for reporting violations and seeking remedies for privacy breaches. 8. Additional Resources: This section acts as a valuable reference, providing readers with additional resources, such as contact information for relevant agencies, related legislation, and privacy best practices. It aims to equip individuals and organizations with the necessary tools to enhance privacy protection. In summary, the Pennsylvania HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding and complying with privacy regulations in the state. It encompasses various aspects of privacy protection, rights, obligations, exemptions, enforcement, and penalties. By providing detailed explanations and relevant examples, this handbook equips readers with the necessary knowledge to navigate privacy-related matters within Pennsylvania's jurisdiction.
