What does the Privacy Act stipulate regarding agency records?

The Privacy Act of 1974 establishes specific guidelines for the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of personal information held by federal agencies. It does not mandate that all records be disclosed to the public; rather, it requires that records be disclosed only under certain conditions, particularly when they align with the principles of the Act.

This means that while individuals have the right to access their personal information, such access is bounded by the requirements of the Privacy Act, which includes stipulations like the necessity of a written request and the conditions under which information can be disclosed without the individual's consent. Additionally, the act provides that records are to be managed with respect for the privacy of individuals, which enables limited disclosure to maintain confidentiality as necessary.

Other options suggest an absolute approach to record disclosure or unrestricted access, which is inconsistent with the Privacy Act’s intent to balance transparency with respect for individual privacy rights.