DHS Seeks Access to Massive Employment, Salary and Family Database Legally Restricted to Use in Child Support Cases
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The Bottom Line
DHS wants access to a sensitive federal database, legally restricted to child support, raising privacy and legal concerns.
How This Affects You
This could expose your personal and employment data, including family details, to DHS, potentially impacting your privacy rights.
AI Summary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking access to the Federal Parent Locator Service, a comprehensive database containing sensitive personal and employment information, including details on children and domestic violence victims. This database, maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is legally restricted for use primarily in child support enforcement. According to six current and former federal officials, granting DHS access would violate federal law and could severely undermine the child support program by eroding employer trust. The HHS general counsel's office is currently considering the request, which, if approved, is expected to face immediate legal challenges. This development raises significant concerns among privacy experts and child support officials regarding data security and potential misuse.
What's Being Done
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking access to the Federal Parent Locator Service database.
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