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Your personal privacy is not merely a concept or an idea, but a right that is protected by federal law. If your privacy has been violated it is possible you may experience very real financial and even reputational harm, and you may have a case against the responsible party. A privacy lawyer from Zimmerman Reed is available to consider how federal laws might apply to your situation and what compensation you could be entitled to when your rights have been violated.

The Privacy Act of 1974

Through 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552(a), the Privacy Act of 1974, a code of fair information practices was established that governs how your personal information is used by the federal government concerning its:

• Collection
• Maintenance
• Use
• Dissemination

The Privacy Act defines a system of records as “a group of records under the control of an agency from which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifier assigned to the individual.” These records are protected, and cannot be shared, except in specific circumstances.

The Privacy Act Requires Your Consent for the Disclosure of Records

Through the Privacy Act, the federal government is prohibited from disclosing a record about an individual from one of its systems of records without the written consent of the individual. However, there are twelve statutory exceptions that the federal government may seek to apply in defense of disclosing your information. Working with an experienced attorney who understands how the courts have recognized the exceptions in action will support the best outcome in your case.

The Privacy Act Entitles You to Access and Amend Your Records

Through the Privacy Act, you are provided a means through which you can access the records kept of you by the federal government. A part of living in a free society is transparent access to information, and you have a right to know what records are being kept about you. In some instances, you may be able to successfully amend aspects of your records. Determining how federal privacy laws apply in your specific situation can be difficult, and an experienced privacy law attorney can make a sizable difference in your case.

Connect with a Privacy Law Attorney at Zimmerman Reed

When your federal privacy rights have been violated and you’ve experienced financial or other harm due to the violation, you could have a case rooted in federal privacy laws. Your case will also be supported by the privacy laws established in your individual state, which will at a minimum meet the federal standard. In some states, the laws are even more protective regarding the disclosure of personal information.

To discuss your potential claim for violations of your personal privacy with a privacy attorney from Zimmerman Reed, visit our site to schedule a consultation.