Privacy Act Modernization for the Information Age Act of 2011
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (18 Oct 2011): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6669-6672)
What this bill does
**Summary**
S. 1732, the "Privacy Act Modernization for the Information Age Act of 2011," would update several federal privacy laws to reflect changes in how the government collects, stores, and uses personal information. It amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to revise definitions (such as "system of records" and "routine use"), tighten agency requirements for handling and disclosing records, require notices to individuals about how their information is used, mandate publication of system-of-records notices on a centralized OMB website, and update penalties for violations—including raising the cap on damages, converting one criminal violation from a misdemeanor to a felony, and adding a new penalty for misuse of records for commercial gain or malicious harm. It also amends the E-Government Act of 2002 to broaden and clarify the definition of "personally identifiable information" and privacy impact assessment requirements, and amends title 44 to create a new federal privacy framework, including establishing a Federal Chief Privacy Officer within OMB responsible for overseeing government-wide privacy policy, coordinating breach-notification procedures, and reporting to Congress periodically.
The bill primarily affects federal agencies, which would face new or revised obligations regarding recordkeeping, transparency, and privacy protections, as well as federal employees, who could face increased criminal penalties for misuse of records. It also affects individuals whose personal information is held by federal agencies, who would gain additional notice, access, and correction rights, and entities such as data brokers and government contractors that handle personally identifiable information on behalf of agencies.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on October 18, 2011, by Senator Daniel Akaka and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It did not receive a committee vote or further action before the end of the 112th Congress, and it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Privacy Act Modernization for the Information Age Act of 2011 - Amends provisions of federal law relating to privacy protections, including the Privacy Act of 1974 and the E-Government Act of 2002, to revise and expand such protections, including by: (1) redefining "system of records" to include any records maintained by, or otherwise under the control of, any federal agency and "routine use," with respect to the disclosure of a record, as the use of such record for a purpose that is compatible with the purpose for which it was collected and that is appropriate and reasonably necessary for the efficient and effective conduct of goverment; (2) expanding agency requirements for collecting, maintaining, and disclosing information on individuals to require the creation of a centralized website maintained by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) containing system of records notices and related privacy information; and (3) revising and increasing civil and criminal penalties for violations of privacy requirements.
Sets forth a new Federal Information Privacy Policy defining the authority and functions of the OMB Director and agency responsibilities with respect to privacy protections. Establishes: (1) the position of Federal Chief Privacy Officer in OMB, and (2) a Chief Privacy Officers Council to develop best practices for agency privacy policies.
Amends the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 to expand the authority of agency privacy or civil liberties officers to investigate violations of privacy law.
Timeline
18 Oct 2011
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6669-6672)
Common questions
- What does S. 1732 do?
- **Summary** S. 1732, the "Privacy Act Modernization for the Information Age Act of 2011," would update several federal privacy laws to reflect changes in how the government collects, stores, and uses personal information. It amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to revise definitions (such as "system of records" and "routine use"), tighten agency requirements for handling and disclosing records, require notices to individuals about how their information is used, mandate publication of system-of-records notices on a centralized OMB website, and update penalties for violations—including raising the cap on damages, converting one criminal violation from a misdemeanor to a felony, and adding a new penalty for misuse of records for commercial gain or malicious harm. It also amends the E-Government Act of 2002 to broaden and clarify the definition of "personally identifiable information" and privacy impact assessment requirements, and amends title 44 to create a new federal privacy framework, including establishing a Federal Chief Privacy Officer within OMB responsible for overseeing government-wide privacy policy, coordinating breach-notification procedures, and reporting to Congress periodically. The bill primarily affects federal agencies, which would face new or revised obligations regarding recordkeeping, transparency, and privacy protections, as well as federal employees, who could face increased criminal penalties for misuse of records. It also affects individuals whose personal information is held by federal agencies, who would gain additional notice, access, and correction rights, and entities such as data brokers and government contractors that handle personally identifiable information on behalf of agencies. The bill was introduced in the Senate on October 18, 2011, by Senator Daniel Akaka and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It did not receive a committee vote or further action before the end of the 112th Congress, and it did not become law.
- Has S. 1732 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1732. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1732?
- S. 1732 was sponsored by Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI] (D-HI), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1732?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6669-6672) (18 Oct 2011).
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More bills from Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI]
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