Agencies Not Protecting Privacy Rights, GAO Says

[kpete]

Agencies Not Protecting Privacy Rights, GAO Says

By Robert O'Harrow Jr.
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 5, 2006; Page A09

Government agencies that use private information services for law enforcement, counterterrorism and other investigations often do not follow federal rules to protect Americans' privacy, according to a report yesterday by the Government Accountability Office.

The Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security and two other agencies examined by the GAO spent about $30 million last year on companies that maintain billions of electronic files about adults' current and past addresses, family members and associates, buying habits, personal finances, listed and unlisted phone numbers, and much more.

But those agencies often do not limit the collection and use of information about law-abiding citizens, as required by the Privacy Act of 1974 and other laws. The agencies also don't ensure the accuracy of the information they are buying, according to the GAO report. That's in part because of a lack of clear guidance from the agencies and the Office of Management and Budget on guidelines known as "fair information practices," the report said.

more at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/04/AR2006040401727.html?nav=rss_politics

[old_techie]

1. Also outsourcing info to foreign countries?