Which type of organizations does the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 apply to?

The Federal Privacy Act of 1974 specifically applies to federal government agencies. This legislation was enacted to protect the privacy of individuals by regulating how federal agencies handle personal information. It establishes provisions that require these agencies to provide individuals with access to their records and to uphold the confidentiality of individuals' information unless disclosure is authorized.

While state agencies, private corporations, and educational institutions may have their own privacy regulations and laws, the explicit intent of the Federal Privacy Act is to govern the practices of federal government entities, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in the handling of personal data. This makes the correct understanding of the Act's scope essential, especially in the context of privacy rights and governmental operations.