Reading Room Document

Application of Privacy Act to FBI Domestic Security Guidelines

The document is a memorandum discussing the application of the Privacy Act to the FBI's collection of publicly available information in relation to the new FBI Domestic Security Guidelines. The conclusion reached is that the Privacy Act does apply to such information, but the FBI has authority to maintain records of individual information in certain circumstances, including pursuant to the library exception and the law enforcement exception. The document presents questions for review, including the extent of permissible collection activity under the Act, the rationale for the library exception, and the FBI's obligation to amend or expunge its files following the termination of an inquiry or investigation.

May 3, 1983