The Electronic Privacy Information Center, OpenTheGovernment.org and a coalition of more than 40 other organizations have written a letter calling on the Office of Management and Budget to "suspend action on any pending rules or regulations that would diminish the effectiveness of the Privacy Act or the Freedom of Information Act," EPIC said in a statement. "The Acts ensure government transparency while protecting personal information retained by government agencies," the release states. The letter emphasized EPIC's belief in the importance of the laws. "The two laws operate as bulwarks of our democracy, helping to ensure the transparency of the federal government while protecting the privacy of the personal data retained by federal agencies," the letter adds. "We believe it is essential that OMB leave in place the strongest possible safeguards to ensure government accountability for the next administration."
Full Story