Updates

EPIC Leads Coalition Demanding the Government Reverse Illegal Data Grab… Again

March 10, 2026

EPIC, joined by 16 organizations, submitted comments to the U.S. Department of the Treasury last week objecting to the creation yet another illegal national data bank known as the Financial Assistance Programs system.

According to the Department’s System of Records Notice, that database would contain the personal information of virtually any person or entity associated with financial assistance programs supervised by the Department, including emergency rental assistance, homeowners assistance, small business credit, and other programs. The Department also included over 20 overbroad routine uses that the Department could use to justify disclosing the information in the database with little restriction. This system could be used to further punish states that oppose the Administration or deny Congressionally-approved benefits to those entitled to receive them.

Here’s the problem: the Treasury Department has no authority to create an omnibus information system like this. Even if it did, the Department is violating the Privacy Act of 1974’s clear mandate to strictly minimize the collection of information and limit the use of any information that is collected. The Department makes unsubstantiated claims of “waste, fraud, and abuse” to justify the radical expansion of the information it holds. Again, even if it existed, the Department is violating the Paperwork Reduction Act by imposing significant and unnecessary burdens on the public and ignoring time-tested alternative methods to address it.

We’ve seen this before. Time and again, EPIC has stood up against the federal government’s overreach and abuse of our information. As we continue to fight for our right to privacy, we need your support.

Support Our Work

EPIC's work is funded by the support of individuals like you, who allow us to continue to protect privacy, open government, and democratic values in the information age.

Donate