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.
Wisconsin HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation is a comprehensive guide that outlines the various privacy regulations and provisions under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for residents of Wisconsin. This handbook aims to educate individuals about their rights and responsibilities in regard to the privacy of their personal information while availing housing programs and services. The Wisconsin HUD Privacy Act Handbook provides detailed explanations of the Privacy Act of 1974, which is a federal law designed to safeguard individuals' privacy through the regulation of government agencies' collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. It emphasizes the importance of protecting personal data and promotes transparency in how HUD handles residents' confidential details. Key topics covered in the Wisconsin HUD Privacy Act Handbook include: 1. Overview of Privacy Act: The handbook begins with an overview of the Privacy Act, its purpose, and the scope of its application to HUD programs in Wisconsin. It explains how the Act ensures fair information practices are followed and how individuals can exercise their privacy rights. 2. Collection and Use of Personal Information: This section delves into the types of personal information that HUD collects and how it is used. It outlines the lawful basis for collecting data, such as eligibility determination, program administration, and statistical reporting purposes. 3. Disclosure and Safeguarding of Personal Information: The handbook elaborates on the circumstances under which HUD may disclose personal information to authorized third parties, ensuring compliance with strict disclosure limitations. It also emphasizes the measures taken by HUD to safeguard individuals' private data. 4. Individual Privacy Rights: This part educates Wisconsin residents about their rights as outlined in the Privacy Act. It covers rights such as the right to access and request amendments to personal information, the right to know who has access to their data, and the right to file complaints in case of privacy breaches. 5. Consent and Opt-Out Options: The handbook explains how individuals can provide their consent for HUD to collect and use their personal information. It also outlines the procedures for opting out of certain data sharing practices or revoking consent at any time. Different types of Wisconsin HUD Privacy Act Handbooks with Explanations may include: 1. Tenant-specific Handbook: This handbook focuses on the privacy rights and regulations applicable to individuals renting or residing in HUD-assisted properties in Wisconsin. It provides tailored information for tenants, including their privacy rights during the application process, lease duration, and termination. 2. Homeowner Handbook: This type of handbook caters to homeowners who participate in HUD programs, such as home rehabilitation or loan assistance. It elucidates the privacy guidelines related to homeownership and addresses specific concerns, such as data security for mortgage-related information. 3. Agency Staff Handbook: This variant serves as an internal guide for employees of Wisconsin HUD offices. It outlines their responsibilities in handling resident information, including procedures for data collection, storage, and sharing, along with best practices for protecting privacy. In conclusion, the Wisconsin HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation provides a valuable resource for individuals and organizations involved in HUD programs in Wisconsin. It offers comprehensive insights into privacy regulations, rights, and responsibilities, promoting a secure and confidential environment for all participants.
