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 Vermont HUD Privacy Act Handbook is a comprehensive document that provides a detailed explanation of the privacy regulations and guidelines enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the state of Vermont. This handbook aims to educate individuals and organizations about their rights and responsibilities related to the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information under the Privacy Act of 1974. The handbook covers a wide range of topics, including the purpose and scope of the Privacy Act, definitions of key terms, requirements for the collection and maintenance of personal information, limitations on the disclosure of personal information, and processes for accessing and amending records. It also outlines the penalties for non-compliance with the Privacy Act and highlights the avenues available for filing complaints regarding possible violations. Different types of Vermont HUD Privacy Act Handbooks may exist, addressing specific audiences or areas of focus. Some possible variations include: 1. Vermont HUD Privacy Act Handbook for Individuals: This version explains the rights and protections granted to individuals whose personal information is collected and maintained by HUD in Vermont. It provides guidance on accessing and updating personal records, as well as procedures for filing complaints concerning potential privacy violations. 2. Vermont HUD Privacy Act Handbook for Employees: This handbook is designed for individuals working within HUD or affiliated organizations in Vermont. It offers detailed guidelines on handling personal information appropriately, ensuring data security, and understanding the limitations on disclosing personal information to third parties. 3. Vermont HUD Privacy Act Handbook for Public Housing Authorities: Public Housing Authorities (Has) in Vermont have unique responsibilities when it comes to managing personal information. This handbook focuses on the specific privacy requirements and best practices for Has, addressing topics such as tenant information management, data sharing with other agencies, and ensuring compliance with federal privacy regulations. It is important for individuals and organizations in Vermont to familiarize themselves with the applicable HUD Privacy Act Handbook to ensure compliance with privacy regulations and protect the privacy rights of individuals. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in the handbook, individuals can safeguard personal information and maintain the trust of those they serve.
