Which legislation requires Privacy Impact Assessments when developing new IT?

Which legislation requires Privacy Impact Assessments when developing new IT?

• A. E-Government Act of 2002, Section 208
• B. Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA)
• C. Privacy Act, 1974
• D. Clinger-Cohen Act

Answer: (A)

The E-Government Act of 2002, specifically Section 208, mandates that federal agencies conduct Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) when developing or procuring new information technology that collects, maintains, or disseminates personally identifiable information. This requirement emphasizes the importance of assessing privacy risks and ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to protect individuals' personal data before systems are implemented. The Act aims to enhance the management of electronic government services, ensuring transparency and accountability in how personal information is handled. By requiring PIAs, the legislation helps agencies identify potential privacy impacts from their IT projects and fosters a culture of privacy protection within the federal government. In contrast, the other options, while significant in their own right, do not specifically mandate Privacy Impact Assessments for new IT development. FISMA focuses on ensuring the security of federal information systems, the Privacy Act of 1974 provides a baseline of privacy protections for individuals, and the Clinger-Cohen Act emphasizes the need for better management and acquisition of IT resources. However, none of these explicitly require PIAs like Section 208 of the E-Government Act does.

The E-Government Act of 2002, specifically Section 208, mandates that federal agencies conduct Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) when developing or procuring new information technology that collects, maintains, or disseminates personally identifiable information. This requirement emphasizes the importance of assessing privacy risks and ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to protect individuals' personal data before systems are implemented.

The Act aims to enhance the management of electronic government services, ensuring transparency and accountability in how personal information is handled. By requiring PIAs, the legislation helps agencies identify potential privacy impacts from their IT projects and fosters a culture of privacy protection within the federal government.

In contrast, the other options, while significant in their own right, do not specifically mandate Privacy Impact Assessments for new IT development. FISMA focuses on ensuring the security of federal information systems, the Privacy Act of 1974 provides a baseline of privacy protections for individuals, and the Clinger-Cohen Act emphasizes the need for better management and acquisition of IT resources. However, none of these explicitly require PIAs like Section 208 of the E-Government Act does.