Privacy Act of 1974: Implementation of Exemptions; Department of Homeland Security/ALL-001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Records System of Records, 55484-55485 [E9-25933]

Download as PDF 55484 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 207 / Wednesday, October 28, 2009 / Proposed Rules agency’s refusals to amend a record; refusal to comply with a request for access to records; failure to maintain accurate, relevant, timely, and complete records; or failure to otherwise comply with an individual’s right to access or amend records. Dated: October 20, 2009. Mary Ellen Callahan, Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. E9–25944 Filed 10–27–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–9B–P Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general questions and privacy issues please contact: Mary Ellen Callahan (703–235–0780), Chief Privacy Officer and Chief Freedom of Information Act Officer, Privacy Office, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of the Secretary 6 CFR Part 5 [Docket No. DHS–2009–0097] Privacy Act of 1974: Implementation of Exemptions; Department of Homeland Security/ALL–001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Records System of Records Privacy Office, DHS. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security is giving concurrent notice of an updated and reissued system of records pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 for the Department of Homeland Security/ALL–001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Records System of Records and this proposed rulemaking. In this proposed rulemaking, the Department proposes to exempt portions of the system of records from one or more provisions of the Privacy Act because of criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement requirements. DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 27, 2009. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number DHS– 2009–0097, by one of the following methods: • Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 703–483–2999. • Mail: Mary Ellen Callahan, Chief Privacy Officer and Chief Freedom of Information Act Officer, Privacy Office, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this notice. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:11 Oct 27, 2009 Jkt 220001 Background: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its components and offices rely on the Privacy Act system of records notice, DHS/ALL–001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Records System of Records (69 FR 70460, December 6, 2004) for the collection and maintenance of records that concern the Department’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) records. As part of its efforts to maintain its Privacy Act records systems, DHS is updating and reissuing a Departmentwide system of records under the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) for DHS FOIA and PA records. This will ensure that all components of DHS follow the same privacy rules for collecting and handling FOIA and PA records. The collection and maintenance of this information will assist DHS in managing the Department’s FOIA and PA records. The Privacy Act embodies fair information principles in a statutory framework governing the means by which the United States Government collects, maintains, uses, and disseminates personally identifiable information. The Privacy Act applies to information that is maintained in a ‘‘system of records.’’ A ‘‘system of records’’ is a group of any records under the control of an agency from which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual. Individuals may request their own records that are maintained in a system of records in the possession or under the control of DHS by complying with DHS Privacy Act regulations, 6 CFR part 5. The Privacy Act requires each agency to publish in the Federal Register a description of the type and character of each system of records that the agency maintains, and the routine uses that are contained in each system in order to make agency recordkeeping practices transparent, to notify individuals regarding the uses to which personally identifiable information is put, and to PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 assist individuals in finding such files within the agency. The Privacy Act allows Government agencies to exempt certain records from the access and amendment provisions. If an agency claims an exemption, however, it must issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to make clear to the public the reasons why a particular exemption is claimed. DHS is claiming exemptions from certain requirements of the Privacy Act for DHS/ALL–001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Records System of Records. Some information in DHS/ALL–001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Records System of Records relates to official DHS national security, law enforcement, immigration, intelligence activities, and protective services to the President of the United States or other individuals pursuant to Section 3056 and 3056A of Title 18, investigatory records related to suitability and Federal service exams and test materials. These exemptions are needed to protect information relating to DHS activities from disclosure to subjects or others related to these activities. Specifically, the exemptions are required to preclude subjects of these activities from frustrating these processes; to avoid disclosure of activity techniques; to protect the identities and physical safety of confidential informants and law enforcement personnel; to ensure DHS’s ability to obtain information from third parties and other sources; to protect the privacy of third parties; to safeguard classified information; and to safeguard records in connection with providing protective services to the President of the United States or other individuals pursuant to Section 3056 and 3056A of Title 18. Disclosure of information to the subject of the inquiry could also permit the subject to avoid detection or apprehension. The exemptions proposed here are standard law enforcement and national security exemptions exercised by a large number of Federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. In appropriate circumstances, where compliance would not appear to interfere with or adversely affect the law enforcement purposes of this system and the overall law enforcement process, the applicable exemptions may be waived on a case by case basis. A notice of system of records for DHS/ ALL–001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Records is also published in this issue of the Federal Register. List of Subjects in 6 CFR Part 5 Freedom of information; Privacy. E:\FR\FM\28OCP1.SGM 28OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 207 / Wednesday, October 28, 2009 / Proposed Rules For the reasons stated in the preamble, DHS proposes to amend Chapter I of Title 6, Code of Federal Regulations, as follows: PART 5—DISCLOSURE OF RECORDS AND INFORMATION 1. The authority citation for part 5 continues to read as follows: Authority: 6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.; Public Law 107–296, 116 Stat. 2135; 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart A also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552. Subpart B also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552a. 2. Add at the end of Appendix C to Part 5, the following new paragraph ‘‘1’’: Appendix C to Part 5—DHS Systems of Records Exempt From the Privacy Act mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS * * * * * 1. DHS/ALL–001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Records System of Records consists of electronic and paper records and will be used by DHS and its components. DHS/ALL–001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Records System of Records is a repository of information held by DHS in connection with its several and varied missions and functions, including, but not limited to the enforcement of civil and criminal laws; investigations, inquiries, and proceedings there under; national security and intelligence activities; and protection of the President of the United States or other individuals pursuant to Section 3056 and 3056A of Title 18. DHS/ ALL–001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Records System of Records contains information that is collected by, on behalf of, in support of, or in cooperation with DHS and its components and may contain personally identifiable information collected by other Federal, State, local, tribal, foreign, or international government agencies. The Secretary of Homeland Security has exempted this system from the following provisions of the Privacy Act, subject to limitations set forth in 5 U.S.C. § 552a(c)(3) and (4): (d); (e)(1), (e)(2), (e)(3), (e)(4)(G), (e)(4)(H), (e)(5), (e)(8); (f); and (g) pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 552a(j)(2). Additionally, the Secretary of Homeland Security has exempted this system from the following provisions of the Privacy Act, subject to limitations set forth in 5 U.S.C. § 552a(c)(3): (d); (e)(1), (e)(4)(G), (e)(4)(H), (e)(4)(I); and (f) pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 552a(k)(1), (k)(2), (k)(3), (k)(5), and (k)(6). Exemptions from these particular subsections are justified, on a case-by-case basis to be determined at the time a request is made, for the following reasons: (a) From subsection (c)(3) and (4) (Accounting for Disclosures) because release of the accounting of disclosures could alert the subject of an investigation of an actual or potential criminal, civil, or regulatory violation to the existence of that investigation and reveal investigative interest on the part of DHS as well as the recipient agency. Disclosure of the accounting would therefore present a serious impediment to law enforcement efforts and/or efforts to preserve national security. Disclosure of the VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:11 Oct 27, 2009 Jkt 220001 accounting would also permit the individual who is the subject of a record to impede the investigation, to tamper with witnesses or evidence, and to avoid detection or apprehension, which would undermine the entire investigative process. (b) From subsection (d) (Access to Records) because access to the records contained in this system of records could inform the subject of an investigation of an actual or potential criminal, civil, or regulatory violation to the existence of that investigation and reveal investigative interest on the part of DHS or another agency. Access to the records could permit the individual who is the subject of a record to impede the investigation, to tamper with witnesses or evidence, and to avoid detection or apprehension. Amendment of the records could interfere with ongoing investigations and law enforcement activities and would impose an unreasonable administrative burden by requiring investigations to be continually reinvestigated. In addition, permitting access and amendment to such information could disclose security-sensitive information that could be detrimental to homeland security. (c) From subsection (e)(1) (Relevancy and Necessity of Information) because in the course of investigations into potential violations of Federal law, the accuracy of information obtained or introduced occasionally may be unclear, or the information may not be strictly relevant or necessary to a specific investigation. In the interests of effective law enforcement, it is appropriate to retain all information that may aid in establishing patterns of unlawful activity. (d) From subsection (e)(2) (Collection of Information from Individuals) because requiring that information be collected from the subject of an investigation would alert the subject to the nature or existence of the investigation, thereby interfering with that investigation and related law enforcement activities. (e) From subsection (e)(3) (Notice to Subjects) because providing such detailed information could impede law enforcement by compromising the existence of a confidential investigation or reveal the identity of witnesses or confidential informants. (f) From subsections (e)(4)(G) and (H) (I) and (f) (Agency Requirements) because portions of this system are exempt from the individual access provisions of subsection (d) and thus would not require DHS to apply rules for records or portions of records which are exempted from access or amendment upon request. Access to, and amendment of, system records that are not exempt or for which exemption is waived may be obtained under procedures described in the related system of records notice (SORN) or Subpart B of this Part. (g) From subsection (e)(5) (Collection of Information) because with the collection of information for law enforcement purposes, it is impossible to determine in advance what information is accurate, relevant, timely, and complete. Compliance with subsection (e)(5) would preclude DHS agents from using their investigative training and exercise of good PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 55485 judgment to both conduct and report on investigations. (h) From subsection (e)(8) (Notice on Individuals) because compliance would interfere with DHS’s ability to obtain, serve, and issue subpoenas, warrants, and other law enforcement mechanisms that may be filed under seal and could result in disclosure of investigative techniques, procedures, and evidence. (i) From subsection (g) (Civil Remedies) to the extent that the system is exempt from other specific subsections of the Privacy Act. Dated: October 20, 2009. Mary Ellen Callahan, Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. E9–25933 Filed 10–27–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–9L–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2009–0993; Directorate Identifier 2009–NM–089–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4–2C, B4–103, and B4–203 Airplanes; and Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620, B4–622, B4–605R, and B4–622R Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: One A300–600 aeroplane operator reported that, during a routine inspection, the Right Hand frame 40 forward fitting between stringer 32 and stringer 33 was found cracked. The subject aeroplane had previously been modified in accordance with Airbus SB A300–57–6053 (Airbus Modification 10453). This condition, if not corrected, could result in a deterioration of the structural integrity of the frame. * * * * * The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 14, 2009. E:\FR\FM\28OCP1.SGM 28OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 207 (Wednesday, October 28, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55484-55485]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-25933]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of the Secretary

6 CFR Part 5

[Docket No. DHS-2009-0097]


Privacy Act of 1974: Implementation of Exemptions; Department of 
Homeland Security/ALL-001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act 
Records System of Records

AGENCY: Privacy Office, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security is giving concurrent 
notice of an updated and reissued system of records pursuant to the 
Privacy Act of 1974 for the Department of Homeland Security/ALL-001 
Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Records System of Records 
and this proposed rulemaking. In this proposed rulemaking, the 
Department proposes to exempt portions of the system of records from 
one or more provisions of the Privacy Act because of criminal, civil, 
and administrative enforcement requirements.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 27, 2009.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number DHS-
2009-0097, by one of the following methods:
     Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 703-483-2999.
     Mail: Mary Ellen Callahan, Chief Privacy Officer and Chief 
Freedom of Information Act Officer, Privacy Office, Department of 
Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number for this notice. All comments received will be posted 
without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal 
information provided.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general questions and privacy 
issues please contact: Mary Ellen Callahan (703-235-0780), Chief 
Privacy Officer and Chief Freedom of Information Act Officer, Privacy 
Office, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Background: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its 
components and offices rely on the Privacy Act system of records 
notice, DHS/ALL-001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Records 
System of Records (69 FR 70460, December 6, 2004) for the collection 
and maintenance of records that concern the Department's Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) records.
    As part of its efforts to maintain its Privacy Act records systems, 
DHS is updating and reissuing a Department-wide system of records under 
the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) for DHS FOIA and PA records. This will 
ensure that all components of DHS follow the same privacy rules for 
collecting and handling FOIA and PA records. The collection and 
maintenance of this information will assist DHS in managing the 
Department's FOIA and PA records.
    The Privacy Act embodies fair information principles in a statutory 
framework governing the means by which the United States Government 
collects, maintains, uses, and disseminates personally identifiable 
information. The Privacy Act applies to information that is maintained 
in a ``system of records.'' A ``system of records'' is a group of any 
records under the control of an agency from which information is 
retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifying number, 
symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual. 
Individuals may request their own records that are maintained in a 
system of records in the possession or under the control of DHS by 
complying with DHS Privacy Act regulations, 6 CFR part 5.
    The Privacy Act requires each agency to publish in the Federal 
Register a description of the type and character of each system of 
records that the agency maintains, and the routine uses that are 
contained in each system in order to make agency recordkeeping 
practices transparent, to notify individuals regarding the uses to 
which personally identifiable information is put, and to assist 
individuals in finding such files within the agency.
    The Privacy Act allows Government agencies to exempt certain 
records from the access and amendment provisions. If an agency claims 
an exemption, however, it must issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to 
make clear to the public the reasons why a particular exemption is 
claimed.
    DHS is claiming exemptions from certain requirements of the Privacy 
Act for DHS/ALL-001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Records 
System of Records. Some information in DHS/ALL-001 Freedom of 
Information Act and Privacy Act Records System of Records relates to 
official DHS national security, law enforcement, immigration, 
intelligence activities, and protective services to the President of 
the United States or other individuals pursuant to Section 3056 and 
3056A of Title 18, investigatory records related to suitability and 
Federal service exams and test materials. These exemptions are needed 
to protect information relating to DHS activities from disclosure to 
subjects or others related to these activities. Specifically, the 
exemptions are required to preclude subjects of these activities from 
frustrating these processes; to avoid disclosure of activity 
techniques; to protect the identities and physical safety of 
confidential informants and law enforcement personnel; to ensure DHS's 
ability to obtain information from third parties and other sources; to 
protect the privacy of third parties; to safeguard classified 
information; and to safeguard records in connection with providing 
protective services to the President of the United States or other 
individuals pursuant to Section 3056 and 3056A of Title 18. Disclosure 
of information to the subject of the inquiry could also permit the 
subject to avoid detection or apprehension.
    The exemptions proposed here are standard law enforcement and 
national security exemptions exercised by a large number of Federal law 
enforcement and intelligence agencies. In appropriate circumstances, 
where compliance would not appear to interfere with or adversely affect 
the law enforcement purposes of this system and the overall law 
enforcement process, the applicable exemptions may be waived on a case 
by case basis.
    A notice of system of records for DHS/ALL-001 Freedom of 
Information Act and Privacy Act Records is also published in this issue 
of the Federal Register.

List of Subjects in 6 CFR Part 5

    Freedom of information; Privacy.


[[Page 55485]]


    For the reasons stated in the preamble, DHS proposes to amend 
Chapter I of Title 6, Code of Federal Regulations, as follows:

PART 5--DISCLOSURE OF RECORDS AND INFORMATION

    1. The authority citation for part 5 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.; Public Law 107-296, 116 Stat. 
2135; 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart A also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552. 
Subpart B also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552a.

    2. Add at the end of Appendix C to Part 5, the following new 
paragraph ``1'':

Appendix C to Part 5--DHS Systems of Records Exempt From the Privacy 
Act

* * * * *
    1. DHS/ALL-001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act 
Records System of Records consists of electronic and paper records 
and will be used by DHS and its components. DHS/ALL-001 Freedom of 
Information Act and Privacy Act Records System of Records is a 
repository of information held by DHS in connection with its several 
and varied missions and functions, including, but not limited to the 
enforcement of civil and criminal laws; investigations, inquiries, 
and proceedings there under; national security and intelligence 
activities; and protection of the President of the United States or 
other individuals pursuant to Section 3056 and 3056A of Title 18. 
DHS/ALL-001 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Records 
System of Records contains information that is collected by, on 
behalf of, in support of, or in cooperation with DHS and its 
components and may contain personally identifiable information 
collected by other Federal, State, local, tribal, foreign, or 
international government agencies. The Secretary of Homeland 
Security has exempted this system from the following provisions of 
the Privacy Act, subject to limitations set forth in 5 U.S.C. Sec.  
552a(c)(3) and (4): (d); (e)(1), (e)(2), (e)(3), (e)(4)(G), 
(e)(4)(H), (e)(5), (e)(8); (f); and (g) pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Sec.  
552a(j)(2). Additionally, the Secretary of Homeland Security has 
exempted this system from the following provisions of the Privacy 
Act, subject to limitations set forth in 5 U.S.C. Sec.  552a(c)(3): 
(d); (e)(1), (e)(4)(G), (e)(4)(H), (e)(4)(I); and (f) pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. Sec.  552a(k)(1), (k)(2), (k)(3), (k)(5), and (k)(6). 
Exemptions from these particular subsections are justified, on a 
case-by-case basis to be determined at the time a request is made, 
for the following reasons:
    (a) From subsection (c)(3) and (4) (Accounting for Disclosures) 
because release of the accounting of disclosures could alert the 
subject of an investigation of an actual or potential criminal, 
civil, or regulatory violation to the existence of that 
investigation and reveal investigative interest on the part of DHS 
as well as the recipient agency. Disclosure of the accounting would 
therefore present a serious impediment to law enforcement efforts 
and/or efforts to preserve national security. Disclosure of the 
accounting would also permit the individual who is the subject of a 
record to impede the investigation, to tamper with witnesses or 
evidence, and to avoid detection or apprehension, which would 
undermine the entire investigative process.
    (b) From subsection (d) (Access to Records) because access to 
the records contained in this system of records could inform the 
subject of an investigation of an actual or potential criminal, 
civil, or regulatory violation to the existence of that 
investigation and reveal investigative interest on the part of DHS 
or another agency. Access to the records could permit the individual 
who is the subject of a record to impede the investigation, to 
tamper with witnesses or evidence, and to avoid detection or 
apprehension. Amendment of the records could interfere with ongoing 
investigations and law enforcement activities and would impose an 
unreasonable administrative burden by requiring investigations to be 
continually reinvestigated. In addition, permitting access and 
amendment to such information could disclose security-sensitive 
information that could be detrimental to homeland security.
    (c) From subsection (e)(1) (Relevancy and Necessity of 
Information) because in the course of investigations into potential 
violations of Federal law, the accuracy of information obtained or 
introduced occasionally may be unclear, or the information may not 
be strictly relevant or necessary to a specific investigation. In 
the interests of effective law enforcement, it is appropriate to 
retain all information that may aid in establishing patterns of 
unlawful activity.
    (d) From subsection (e)(2) (Collection of Information from 
Individuals) because requiring that information be collected from 
the subject of an investigation would alert the subject to the 
nature or existence of the investigation, thereby interfering with 
that investigation and related law enforcement activities.
    (e) From subsection (e)(3) (Notice to Subjects) because 
providing such detailed information could impede law enforcement by 
compromising the existence of a confidential investigation or reveal 
the identity of witnesses or confidential informants.
    (f) From subsections (e)(4)(G) and (H) (I) and (f) (Agency 
Requirements) because portions of this system are exempt from the 
individual access provisions of subsection (d) and thus would not 
require DHS to apply rules for records or portions of records which 
are exempted from access or amendment upon request. Access to, and 
amendment of, system records that are not exempt or for which 
exemption is waived may be obtained under procedures described in 
the related system of records notice (SORN) or Subpart B of this 
Part.
    (g) From subsection (e)(5) (Collection of Information) because 
with the collection of information for law enforcement purposes, it 
is impossible to determine in advance what information is accurate, 
relevant, timely, and complete. Compliance with subsection (e)(5) 
would preclude DHS agents from using their investigative training 
and exercise of good judgment to both conduct and report on 
investigations.
    (h) From subsection (e)(8) (Notice on Individuals) because 
compliance would interfere with DHS's ability to obtain, serve, and 
issue subpoenas, warrants, and other law enforcement mechanisms that 
may be filed under seal and could result in disclosure of 
investigative techniques, procedures, and evidence.
    (i) From subsection (g) (Civil Remedies) to the extent that the 
system is exempt from other specific subsections of the Privacy Act.

    Dated: October 20, 2009.
Mary Ellen Callahan,
Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. E9-25933 Filed 10-27-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-9L-P
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