Privacy Act: Federal Agencies' Implementation Can Be Improved

Citation
General Accounting Office, Privacy Act: Federal Agencies' Implementation Can Be Improved (GGD-86-107; B-223140) (Aug. 22, 1986) (full-text).

Overview
In response to a congressional request, the GAO examined federal agencies' implementation of the Privacy Act of 1974, which protects personal privacy. The GAO specifically examined: (1) the roles of agency Privacy Act officers; and (2) agencies' adherence to the Act's provisions and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines.

The GAO found that: (1) approaches to implementing the Act's regulations varied widely among the agencies; (2) agencies often failed to establish clear lines of responsibility and accountability for the Act's functions; (3) agency Privacy Act officers had limited responsibilities, training, and resources to ensure compliance with the Act; and (4) agencies need to improve adherence to OMB guidelines relating to activities, such as computer matching programs, risk assessments, evaluations, and training.