The NHPA will implement an opt-out mechanism, which means that companies can only use your data with your explicit consent. It also requires transparency in how businesses use your data and gives you the right to refuse sharing your data with third-party companies and penalties for not complying. This law, like the GDPR also prohibits discrimination against those who exercise their privacy www.mcalisterhallam.com/2023/06/07/government-protection-law rights–that is, a company shouldn’t charge more to safeguard your privacy, or offer discounts to those who share data.

Government Protection Law

Federal laws provide many types of protection for the federal government, including:

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 44 U.S.C. 3501) provides you with a right to request records from federal agencies, with the exception of those exempted by one of nine exemptions to the FOIA. The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552) safeguards your privacy by the development of policies that govern the collection, maintenance and dissemination of personal information by federal agencies.

New York State’s Personal Privacy Protection Law (Public Officers Law Article 6-A, sections 91-99) recognizes the privacy concerns of the public and limits the government’s collection, usage, and disclosure of your personal information. It also prohibits the use of “secret files” by state agencies and forbids the release of personal information without your permission.

Whistleblowers play an important role in keeping our government accountable and efficient. Federal law protects federal contractors, subcontractors, grantees, and subgrantees from retaliation for reporting fraud, waste, or abuse in federal grants or contracts.