Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988
Latest action (18 Oct 1988): Became Public Law No: 100-503.
What this bill does
S. 496, the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, as sponsored by Senator William Sebastian Cohen, was enacted into law. This law requires federal agencies to establish written agreements before sharing records for computer matching programs, which involve comparing different automated record systems. These agreements must outline the purpose of the matching, how individuals will be notified, and how data will be handled after the comparison.
The Act affects federal agencies by setting specific rules for how they can conduct computer matching programs. It mandates that individuals whose records are matched must be notified and given a chance to dispute any information that could lead to negative actions, such as the termination of financial assistance. Agencies are also required to publish notices about these programs and establish Data Integrity Boards to oversee their implementation.
This bill has completed its legislative journey and was signed into law by the President. The law is now in effect, and federal agencies must adhere to its requirements for computer matching programs.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
(Senate agreed to House amendment with an amendment) Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988 - Requires Federal agencies to enter into written agreements with other agencies or non-Federal entities before disclosing records for use in computer matching programs. Specifies areas to be addressed in such agreements, including justification for matching, notifying individuals (including Federal employees) whose records are to be matched, procedures for retention and destruction of data after matching, and prohibitions on disclosure of records and the compilation of data. Requires a copy of each agreement to be transmitted to specified congressional committees and available to the public upon request. Prohibits an agency from terminating, suspending, reducing, or making final denial of financial assistance or payment to any individual, or to take any other adverse action against such individual, as a result of information produced by the programs until the agency has verified such information. Provides individuals an opportunity to refute such information. Requires agencies to publish in the Federal Register notice of the establishment or the revision of such programs. Requires agencies to provide notice to the Congress and the Office of Management and Budget of any proposal to establish or alter such programs. Requires each agency to establish a Data Integrity Board to oversee and coordinate the implementation of this Act. Prohibits a Board from approving any written agreement for a matching program unless the agency demonstrates that the proposed program is cost effective through a cost-benefit analysis. Authorizes a Board to waive the requirements for such analysis. Does not require a cost-benefit analysis before the initial approval of a written agreement specifically required by statute. Requires a cost-benefit analysis for any subsequent written agreement for such a program as conducted under the preceding agreement approval. Sets forth a process for appeal to the Director of Management and Budget of matching agreements that are disapproved. Requires the Director to report to the Congress on information obtained from reports from the various Boards. Defines "matching program" as the computerized comparison of: (1) two or more automated systems of records with a set of non-Federal records; or (2) two or more automated Federal personnel or payroll systems of records or a system of Federal personnel or payroll records with a set of non-Federal records. Excludes certain tax refund offset programs from such definition. Requires the Director to provide guidelines, regulations, assistance, and oversight regarding the implementation of this Act. Requires the Office of the Federal Register biennially (currently, annually) to publish rules promulgated and agency notices on records maintained on individuals. Changes the annual report of the President on such information to a biennial report.
Timeline
18 Oct 1988
Became Public Law No: 100-503.
Common questions
- What does S. 496 do?
- S. 496, the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, as sponsored by Senator William Sebastian Cohen, was enacted into law. This law requires federal agencies to establish written agreements before sharing records for computer matching programs, which involve comparing different automated record systems. These agreements must outline the purpose of the matching, how individuals will be notified, and how data will be handled after the comparison. The Act affects federal agencies by setting specific rules for how they can conduct computer matching programs. It mandates that individuals whose records are matched must be notified and given a chance to dispute any information that could lead to negative actions, such as the termination of financial assistance. Agencies are also required to publish notices about these programs and establish Data Integrity Boards to oversee their implementation. This bill has completed its legislative journey and was signed into law by the President. The law is now in effect, and federal agencies must adhere to its requirements for computer matching programs.
- Has S. 496 become law?
- Yes. S. 496 has been enacted. Status last updated 18 Oct 1988.
- Who sponsored S. 496?
- S. 496 was sponsored by Sen. Cohen, William S. [R-ME] (R-ME), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 496?
- Became Public Law No: 100-503. (18 Oct 1988).
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