H.R.1877 - Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1877, the "Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act," aims to enhance the security of Social Security beneficiary data by restricting access for political appointees and special government employees. The bill also establishes civil penalties for unauthorized disclosure or access of beneficiary information. Furthermore, it mandates investigations by the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration into data breaches and requires reports to Congress.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely reduce the risk of politically motivated misuse of sensitive Social Security data. It will also provide legal recourse for individuals whose data is compromised due to negligence or unauthorized access. The increased oversight and reporting requirements may lead to improved data security practices within the Social Security Administration.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthened data privacy for Social Security beneficiaries.
- Reduced risk of political interference in Social Security data.
- Increased accountability for data breaches.
- Legal recourse for victims of unauthorized data access or disclosure.
- Enhanced oversight of Social Security data security practices.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on the Social Security Administration and the Inspector General's office.
- Possible delays in legitimate data access for authorized personnel due to stricter access controls.
- Potential for frivolous lawsuits, although the bill includes exceptions for good faith errors.
- Costs associated with implementing the new security measures and investigation protocols.
- The definition of 'political appointee' and 'special government employee' may be subject to interpretation, leading to potential loopholes.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the spirit of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, as it seeks to safeguard sensitive personal information held by the government. It also indirectly supports the principle of due process by providing a mechanism for redress when data is mishandled. The bill falls under Congress's power to legislate for the general welfare, as outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).