GAO Recommends New Federal Office for Data Privacy
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GAO calls for new federal office to enhance data privacy protections. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has recommended that Congress establish a new federal office to provide comprehensive guidance on safeguarding civil rights and liberties in the use of personal data across government agencies. A recent GAO survey revealed significant inconsistencies in how 24 agencies manage data privacy, with some lacking any civil rights protections in their policies. The report highlights challenges posed by emerging technologies like facial recognition and artificial intelligence, which can exacerbate risks of misidentification and bias. It emphasizes the urgent need for a unified approach to data governance to prevent violations of citizens’ rights, suggesting that Congress should either create a new agency or clarify its own policy choices regarding data use.