The Postal Service is reminding employees that transparency and sharing information with the public is not only a hallmark of good government, it’s often required by law.
If you are working on a response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or other request for information, keep in mind:
• Individuals often have a right, enforceable in court, to request and receive information concerning USPS operations. However, they do not have a right to other individuals’ personal information in the Postal Service’s possession.
• USPS has an obligation under the Privacy Act of 1974 and other laws to protect the personal information customers, partners and employees entrust to the organization.
When disclosing information or releasing records subject to FOIA or other information requests, make sure to protect personally identifiable information to avoid unwarranted invasions of individual privacy.
Protecting privacy maintains the Postal Service’s reputation and protects the organization’s business. It also ensures that USPS does not face costly litigation for violating the Privacy Act and other laws.
The Ethics Blue page has more information about FOIA, as well as other privacy and records matters.
Employees who have questions about privacy should send an email to privacy@usps.gov.
