Privacy Act of 1974 and FOIA: Interaction and Key Differences

Summary

This practice note discusses the interaction between the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552a, and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552. Both statutes govern access to governmental records, but they have different aims. The Privacy Act enables individuals to request information about themselves, while also prohibiting release of this information to others without consent. FOIA enables individuals and organizations to access a broader set of agency records.