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.
Wake North Carolina HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation is a comprehensive guide that provides detailed information on the privacy policies and practices followed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Wake County, North Carolina. This handbook aims to promote transparency and safeguard the privacy rights of individuals whose personal information is collected, used, and maintained by HUD in Wake County. The Wake North Carolina HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation outlines the purpose and scope of the Privacy Act, which is designed to protect the privacy of individuals and ensure the accuracy and integrity of their personal information held by federal agencies. It explains the key provisions of the Act, including the collection, use, disclosure, and retention of personal information by HUD. This handbook also provides an overview of the various types of personal information collected by HUD in Wake County, such as names, addresses, social security numbers, financial records, and demographic data. It explains the lawful basis for collecting this information and the specific purposes for which it is used, such as determining eligibility for housing assistance programs, conducting audits, and statistical research. Furthermore, the Wake North Carolina HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation highlights the measures taken by HUD to protect the confidentiality and security of personal information. It describes the administrative, technical, and physical safeguards implemented to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of personal information. These safeguards include access controls, encryption, employee training, and regular security assessments. In addition to the general Wake North Carolina HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation, there may be specific handbooks tailored for different types of programs or initiatives administered by HUD in Wake County. These specialized handbooks may include the Tenant Privacy Act Handbook, which focuses on the privacy rights of tenants residing in HUD-subsidized housing units. Another example could be the Homeowner Privacy Act Handbook, which addresses the privacy concerns of individuals participating in HUD's homeownership programs. In conclusion, the Wake North Carolina HUD Privacy Act Handbook with Explanation serves as a valuable resource for individuals, HUD employees, and other stakeholders involved in the administration of HUD programs in Wake County. It ensures compliance with the Privacy Act and promotes responsible handling of personal information, instilling trust and confidence in the privacy practices of the agency.