amicus privacy Privacy Act of 1974 US v. Cooper
EPIC Urges Supreme Court to Affirm Privacy Act Remedies
EPIC filed a "friend of the court" brief in the United States Supreme Court urging the Court to enforce the rights granted under the Privacy Act, which regulates the use of personal information held by federal agencies. EPIC argued that the government should not be allowed to avoid liability by asserting that it caused only mental and emotional harm when it intentionally and willfully violated the federal statute. FAA v. Cooper involves the Social Security Administration's disclosure of a pilot’s HIV status. The lower court held that "the term 'actual damages'" in the Privacy Act "unequivocally encompasses nonpecuinary damages." EPIC urged affirmance of the decision, stating that the Privacy Act "provides compensation for harm suffered" and aims to "ensure compliance with statutory obligations." For more information, see EPIC: US v. Cooper, and EPIC: Privacy Act.
October 4, 2011| Share:
