Privacy Act of 1974

The Privacy Act of 1974 prohibits federal government agencies from disclosing any personal information about an individual without consent, except in certain circumstances such as: law enforcement purposes; census activities; and necessary circumstances for a government to conduct its business. The Privacy Act of 1974 applies to federal government agencies, as well as businesses that are contractors for a federal government agency and that collect, maintain, process, or transmit data.

The Consumer Privacy Guide gives you useful tips for protecting your privacy and helps you take control of the way your information is used. It attempts to answer your questions, in consumer friendly, practical terms, about what you can do to assure that information that you choose to share with companies is used in ways you believe are appropriate.