Public Source Information Program

Overview
In support of the investigative and intelligence missions of the FBI, the Public Source Information Program provides all offices of the FBI with access via the Internet to public record, legal, and news media information available from various online commercial databases. These databases are used to assist with investigations by identifying the location of individuals and identifying alias names, Social Security numbers, relatives, dates of birth, telephone numbers, vehicles, business affiliations, other associations, and assets. Public Source Information Program officials reported that use of these commercial databases often results in new information regarding the subject of the investigation. Officials noted that commercial databases are used in preliminary investigations, and that subsequently, investigative personnel must verify the results of each search.

Source

 * GAO, Personal Information: Agency and Reseller Adherence to Key Privacy Principles, at 21-22.