How to Protect Your Records Under the Privacy Act
Certain personal records are protected under the Privacy Act. The Federal Trade Commission works to enforce Privacy Act protections, but violations are often easier to avoid than to penalize. Exercising your rights under the Privacy Act and using discretion when handling your personal records can help protect your privacy.
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Instructions
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Protect Your Records
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Review your protected records and be aware of your rights. The full text of the Privacy Act can be found online (see Resources below). This Act protects the privacy of your records as kept by the government, schools, employers, health professionals, insurance companies and more.
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Request copies of records compiled by agencies against whom you are protected in the Privacy Act. These include schools, health care professional, insurance companies and government agencies.
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Carefully review the copies of your personal records protected by federal law. Ask in writing for changes to be made to incorrect information.
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Write a letter to relevant agencies that have a record of your personal information and request that protected information remain confidential and not be released without your written approval. If an entity is allowed to release part of a record, make sure the rest of your records remain private.
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File a complaint against an agency that you feel is violating your rights pertaining to records under the Privacy Act. Visit the Department of Health and Human Services online (see Resources below) for information on filing a claim through HIPAA for medical records privacy violations.
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Read and familiarize yourself with privacy policies meant to protect your confidential records. If an entity violates its own privacy policy, you can file a complaint with the FTC (see Resources below).
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Tips & Warnings
Know the Federal Trade Center works to help entities comply with Privacy Act records protection laws, and will help other law enforcement agencies obtain information from you to file suit if you are violated.
