Which statement best describes a key Privacy Act obligation?

Which statement best describes a key Privacy Act obligation?

• A. Federal agencies may publicly disclose records without consent.
• B. Federal agencies must allow individuals to access and review their own records.
• C. Federal agencies must delete records after 5 years.
• D. Federal agencies are exempt from protecting records from unauthorized use.

Answer: (B)

The focus here is the right individuals have to see and review records the government keeps about them. The Privacy Act requires federal agencies to provide access to those records and to let people inspect, obtain copies, and review the information for accuracy. This access helps people verify what is in their file and request corrections if something is wrong, supporting both transparency and data quality. The other statements don’t fit because disclosure of records without consent is not a blanket right—it’s limited to specific, authorized circumstances and exemptions; there’s no universal rule to delete records after a fixed period like five years; and agencies must protect records from unauthorized use rather than being exempt from safeguards.

The focus here is the right individuals have to see and review records the government keeps about them. The Privacy Act requires federal agencies to provide access to those records and to let people inspect, obtain copies, and review the information for accuracy. This access helps people verify what is in their file and request corrections if something is wrong, supporting both transparency and data quality. The other statements don’t fit because disclosure of records without consent is not a blanket right—it’s limited to specific, authorized circumstances and exemptions; there’s no universal rule to delete records after a fixed period like five years; and agencies must protect records from unauthorized use rather than being exempt from safeguards.